Extraordinary nurse recognized at Fisher-Titus

NORWALK — Courtney Schaeffer of Fisher-Titus was recently honored with The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. Valerie Smith was the patient who submitted the nomination, which read "I came in a year ago in February for a heart attack. I was very critical. Everyone involved in my care saved my life. I have seen Courtney numerous times in additional unit visits. She is amazing. She has told the story of the night I was in for my heart attack. She ran like crazy that night doing everything she could for me. She always remembers me, even when I'm at the unit with someone else. She has the best bed side manner and I feel like she has been a huge cheerleader for me in my recovery. I never thought I'd bond with a nurse the way I have. I am so grateful for Courtney! She is an amazing asset to the Fisher Titus department!" Chief Nursing Officer Katie Chieda stated, "We are very proud to partner with DAISY as we have extraordinary nurses here at Fisher-Titus." The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. "When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night," said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, Doctor of Humane Letters (h.c) and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation. "Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Fisher-Titus are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award."