Pediatric nurse, academic effectiveness expert garner institutional awards

A Batson Children's Hospital nurse's ingenuity earns her a DAISY Award while the executive director for academic effectiveness claims the first Olson Award. 

Batson nurse's extraordinary care sprouts DAISY Award

Stephanie Roland, an inpatient nurse in the 5C Pediatric Unit at Batson Children's Hospital, received the March 2017 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

Roland was nominated for the award by her nurse manager, Nikki Cohran, who called Roland “An extraordinary nurse who often goes above and beyond for her patients on top of ensuring that her patients receive top-notch care.”

Cohran specifically cited a recent example: Roland contacted the agent of Dallas Cowboys quarterback and former Mississippi State University gridiron star Dak Prescott to arrange a phone call to a “very sick and depressed” patient.

“With the parents' permission, Dak called this sweet patient,” Cohran said. “I cannot tell you how much this lifted this child's spirits. After months in the hospital and days refusing to eat, this child was truly happy. He ate, smiled, laughed . . . and then got a Cowboys star cut into his hair.

“This all occurred on Stephanie's off day. I can't think of a more deserving nurse to receive this particular award.”

Established in 2000 by members of the family of former patient Patrick Barnes, the Diseases Attacking the Immune System (DAISY) Foundation presents the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses to the “unsung heroes of our society who deserve far more recognition and honor than they receive” as a “thank you” to nurses across the country. About 1,700 health care facilities in all 50 states and in 11 other countries honor their nurses with the DAISY Award.

The DAISY Committee at UMMC reviews nominations every two months and selects up to two winners each cycle who meet the criteria for going “above and beyond the expectations of a nurse.”

To nominate a nurse for the award, click here.

Academic effectiveness director receives first Olson Award

Dr. Ralph Didlake, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, and Dr. Joanne Olson, center, retired assistant professor of nursing, congratulate Dr. Mitzi Norris, executive director for academic effectiveness, for receiving the inaugural Joanne Olson Award for Mission-Driven Excellence.

Given annually to a member of the academic affairs team who demonstrates excellence in support of UMMC's academic mission, the award is named for Olson, who served UMMC for 19 years in institutional research, accreditation and the grants and contracts office. Olson was central to the Medical Center's successful 2011 Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmation.