A nurse caring for patients on its Elizabethtown Campus, in Infusion, Cardiology and Gynecology at The University of Vermont Health Network – Elizabethtown Community Hospital (ECH) is being celebrated as the latest recipient of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Rebecca Crowningshield, RN, was recently presented the award during a surprise ceremony with colleagues.

An 11-year veteran at ECH, Crowningshield is the second nurse to receive the honor since the hospital began accepting nominations last year. She was nominated by Dr. Lynne Macco, OB/GYN, for her professionalism and compassion that make her such an outstanding nurse. Dr. Macco shared, “Becky takes her time to put patients at ease, while, at the same time, performing her duties professionally. She goes out of her way to provide patients the best care."

Julie Tromblee, MSN Chief Nursing Officer for Elizabethtown Community Hospital stated, “I am grateful for the opportunity to both work with and honor Becky. Her ability to look through the eyes of her patients enhances her amazing clinical skills as well as her empathy and advocacy for others.”

During the award ceremony, Crowningshield was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse. She also received a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.

ECH launched the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in 2021 as a way to recognize and reward licensed nurses for making a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients. Nurses may be nominated by patients, families or colleagues.  A committee reviews nominations and awards the honor to a deserving nurse twice a year.

The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day. The DAISY Foundation is a national not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. 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 (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System). 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. More information is available at DAISYfoundation.org.