Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), a member of Dartmouth Health, honored a nurse in Women’s & Children’s Services recently, recognizing her support for a mother in labor, that went beyond her normal shift.
Meghan Jutras, BSN, RN, was presented with the DAISY Award for Exceptional Nurses after receiving a nomination from a patient who gave birth to her first child with Jutras by her side.
“My husband and I came to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center to deliver our first baby,” the patient said. “While everyone on staff was wonderful, this nurse was amazing. Her and I bonded through my labor, particularly when things were really starting to get tough. She was there by my side as I pushed.”
Jutras, who was working until 11 p.m. that day, promised the patient she would see the labor through with her.
“At 11:05 it was clear that the baby would be here very soon, and she stated ‘Oh! I'm in it! I'm not leaving now,;’” the patient wrote of Jutras. “Our sweet girl was born at 11:22 p.m. and my nurse stayed by my side until the end. She honestly made me feel like I had a good friend by my side, and for that I am so grateful! She truly went above and beyond for our family.
The DAISY Award is an international recognition program honoring clinical excellence and outstanding compassionate care provided by nurses. Nurses are nominated by patients, families or colleagues and SVMC surprises the recipients with the honor. Awards are given out monthly.
About Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
For more than a century, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) has delivered world-class care and comfort to every patient. Today, SVMC encompasses eight locations across Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts, including a 99-bed hospital and 23 primary and specialty care services. SVMC’s exceptional health teams possess expertise in everything from oncology to orthopedics. Our clinical strength has earned national attention, including six consecutive designations from the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. Since joining Dartmouth Health in 2023, SVMC has expanded treatment options and services to keep patients closer to home for world-class care. As the largest employer in southwestern Vermont, SVMC is deeply invested in the region, engaging with the community through wellness initiatives, support of local nonprofit organizations and involvement in economic development. SVMC has robust volunteer leadership, at many levels, that help guide and govern the organization, ensuring SVMC continues to serve the patient and staff needs of today, and tomorrow.