Three Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) nurses and an emergency department technician were honored recently for going above and beyond for patient care.
Caraline Sprague, RN, Olivia Sandquist, RN and Laurie Darby, RN, were each presented with DAISY Awards this summer. The DAISY Award is an international recognition program honoring clinical excellence and outstanding compassionate care provided by nurses. Ryan Rogge, a technician in the Kendall Emergency Department at SVMC, was recently honored with the hospital’s internal PETAL Award, given to staff who go above and beyond in their work.
Each recipient was nominated for these honors by patients or colleagues.
Olivia Sandquist, RN, the Dartmouth Cancer Center at SVMC
Sandquist was recognized by a patient’s spouse, who spoke to the compassion and expertise shown by the cancer center nurse during treatment. The nominator explained that Sandquist gave support outside of the cancer center as well, when the patient was rushed to another area of the hospital.
“This nurse walked into the room with a blanket and the biggest smile to see my wife,” the nominator wrote. “She gave my wife the blanket and spoke to her for several minutes as a friend, not as a nurse.”
Caraline Sprague, RN, SVMC Medical-Surgical unit
Sprague was recognized for working to identify and monitor a very ill patient. She worked closely with a physician team after noticing something was not right.
“It was this candidate’s excellent nursing assessment and skill that led the full assessment and work up of this patient who was then transferred to the ICU and then subsequently flown to a tertiary care center,” the nominator wrote.
“I am always in awe of this individual’s multifaceted talent as a Registered Nurse.”
Laurie Darby, RN, Kendall Emergency Department
Darby, assistant nursing director of the emergency department (ED), was recognized by a 90 year-old patient who began feeling weak after an appointment, as a result of not having eaten in the last several hours.
Darby noticed the patient sitting outside the ED and came to check on her, then brought her some food. Darby sat with her until she felt better.
“This nurse was my "guardian angel" and I learned from our conversation that she worked at SVMC for many years, and when said I was concerned that I was taking her away from her duties, she said "But that’s what I’m here for, to help people," her nominator wrote.
Ryan Rogge, ED Technician
Rogge was hailed by his nominator as “always dependable, pleasant, and trustworthy. He always has a smile on his face and is adored by staff and patients.”
They also noted a particular incident where a patient had to be airlifted to another facility and needed a helmet for medical transport.
“This ED tech went and got his old Mt. Anthony lacrosse helmet and donated it to us to use,” the nominator wrote. “We placed it on the patient and they were able to be transferred. It was a very selfless act and helped to save the patient's life.”
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.