OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group has awarded four honorees for the Grateful Patient program. The program includes the international DAISY Award that recognizes the skillful and compassionate care provided by nurses, the Sunflower Award, which recognizes non-nursing staff for being outstanding role models among a community of caregivers, and the honor a caregiver award, which recognizes physicians and advanced practice providers who demonstrate excellence, compassion and extraordinary care.
This quarter’s awards were given to Nora Forster, RN (DAISY Award), Sheila Olsen, Physical Therapy Assistant, (Sunflower Award), Michael DeGroot, MD (Honor a Caregiver Award), and OSF Medical Group – Ear, Nose and Throat (Team Award).
Nora Forster, RN, is a nurse in the emergency department and was one of 30 nominees. She was recognized for the exceptional care as well as compassion she brought to a young patient and his father. The dad shared that Nora paid special attention to his son, at one point offering bubbles to distract as well as engage with him, stating “It was the best experience ever through an emergency department.”
Sheila Olsen works as a physical therapy assistant and has been with OSF Rehabilitation Services for 26 years. She was recognized for her kind and friendly approach as her nomination included the following sentiments, "She is kind, always smiling, but can really make you push yourself to do more. She has you leaving with a smile on your face and if she is ever having a bad day, you would never know it."
Michael DeGroot, MD is an OB/GYN with OSF St. Francis Women’s Center and one of 13 nominees for the Honor a Caregiver Award. A patient had these words of gratitude to share, “Had it not been for Dr. DeGroot and the wonderful nurses/other staff, I wouldn't be here today. Ever since that day, Dr. DeGroot has been there for my family and has always been incredibly kind and compassionate and genuinely listens when you speak to him.”
Additionally, the Team Award was given out this quarter which recognizes the excellence and collaboration of an entire department or medical practice group. This was awarded to OSF Medical Group – Ear, Nose and Throat resulting from a patient nomination recognizing the entire office and noting that, “The support staff gives care to patients in meaningful ways. They are encouraging, helpful, and work to make patients feel at ease about asking questions, until clarity is achieved in understanding information and next steps.”
Modified award ceremonies were held to celebrate each of the honorees.
“The work of our employees goes beyond providing health care to patients. They’re often providing comfort, compassion, and a listening ear. I see it each and every day and am proud to see the Sister’s Mission in action. The nominations from patients act as a great reminder that staff from all departments and roles are making a positive impact on those we serve,” said Dave Lord, President of OSF St. Francis Hospital.
If you would like to nominate an employee from OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group for special recognition of extraordinary care, please visit osfgratefulpatient.org