BENNINGTON, Vt. — Jennifer Harrington, BSN, RN, a nurse in the Transitional Care Department at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), was the October recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses at Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC).

 

"Jennifer is tailor made for her role as a transitional care nurse," said Pamela Duchene, PhD, APRN, SVHC's chief nursing officer and vice president for Patient Care Services. "She is so friendly and approachable while also being detail-oriented and efficient. These qualities help her make a tremendous impact on patients' lives, even after just a few visits."

 

Harrington's nominator was connected with the Transitional Care Program after a 3-day inpatient stay. The patient noted several examples in which Harrington facilitated better care, including a change to her medication and helping her secure Lifeline, a personal emergency response system.

 

"Jenn doesn't say, 'I'll see what I can do,'" the patient shared. "She gets things done." What's more, the patient continued, "[Jenn] has become a friend."

 

Harrington received her LPN at Putnam Memorial School of Nursing in Bennington, and her RN and bachelor's in nursing degrees from Southern Vermont College. She is on track to earn her master's in nursing from Capella University in early spring. She has been a nurse for more than 30 years. Harrington works with patients, families, physicians, case managers, and community agencies to strengthen the relationships her patients need to succeed. She was recently recognized with SVMC's 2022 Magnet Award for Structural Empowerment.

 

The award was presented during a surprise ceremony last week.

 

"I never expected this," Harrington said in shock. "I am so humbled." She continued, "The DAISY Award is so special, because it comes from patients. As nurses, our patients are the most important judges of the care we provide. Being honored by them is such a tremendous honor."

 

The DAISY Award is part of a national merit-based recognition program established by the DAISY Foundation. It celebrates nurses' education, training, and skill. Nominations can be submitted by patients, families, physicians, and colleagues. All nominations are blinded, so that they are anonymous, before being reviewed by a selection committee. One nurse is then chosen as the DAISY Award winner. DAISY Awards are presented on a regular basis, usually bi-monthly or quarterly.