Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), a member of Dartmouth Health, recently honored a nurse for her compassion and skill in supporting a patient through her pregnancies.
Deborah Mone, RN, of SVMC’s Women’s and Children’s Services (WCS) was recently presented with the DAISY Award for Exceptional Nurses. She was nominated by a patient who had previously experienced a devastating loss and, as a result, was feeling anxious about her pregnancy in 2022.
“This pregnancy was riddled with anxiety and fear of the unknown,” the nominator wrote. “As we neared the end, the great staff at SVMC OBGYN provided tremendous support and offered extra monitoring. In several events, the heart rate found on non-stress tests were a bit higher than normal, and the offer was extended to be moved to the hospital for more monitoring. Based on my history, I did go to the hospital, where I first met this nurse.
“[Deb] was made aware of my past, and spent a great deal of her time with me…becoming a friend. She continuously made sure I was comfortable, and asked me questions in a way that someone who truly cared would. It became clear that the high heart rate was because of my own anxiety, and she was tremendous in helping alleviate that anxiety.”
The nominator went on to say: “Since 2022, I’ve given birth at SVMC two more times, and she has been there every time. She always knows who we are, and makes sure that she comes to talk with us, even if we aren’t assigned to her. She truly is a special person, and someone I would consider a friend.”
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.