By Ehren Goetz
Mammoth Hospital

Mammoth Hospital extraordinary nurse, Caitlin Crunk, RN, was recognized recently with the national DAISY Award at a luncheon held in November. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. 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 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.

John Shipley was one of three patients who nominated Caitlin for her above and beyond patient care.  “Caitlin was continually running around the unit to help her patients, beyond the call of duty,” said Shipley. “She never seemed stressed or rushed, she always had good words for everyone and a smile on her face. I caught her staying late at work just so she could check in once more on patients who were having a difficult time (like me). Actually all of the nurses were excellent and competent, but Caitlin’s positive energy and helpfulness were exemplary.”

After growing up in Mammoth with both parents in the medical profession working at Mammoth Hospital, Caitlin ventured on to nursing school where she graduated from Los Angeles Valley College. Caitlin returned to Mammoth and has worked the medical / surgical unit since February; her first job out of nursing school. “I was very surprised to be honored with the Daisy Award,” said Caitlin. “I love being a nurse and am honored to be a DAISY Nurse!”

At a presentation given in front of her colleagues, physicians, as well as her own parents Diane and Dennis Crunk, MD, Caitlin received a certificate commending her for being an extraordinary nurse as well as a sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa. “We are proud to be among the hospitals participating in the DAISY Award program,” said Kathleen Alo, Chief Nursing Officer at Mammoth Hospital. “Nurses are heroes every day. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that.

Twenty nurses were nominated in various specialties throughout Mammoth Hospital since the last recognition awarded in May; over twice the amount of nominations from the previous class of DAISY Award nominees.  Two other finalists also received multiple nominations; Warren Strand, RN, a nurse in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and Heather Tindall, RN, Coordinator of the Peri-Anesthesia and Surgical Services (PASS) Center.

For more information on the DAISY award and how to nominate a nurse, visit www.mammothhospital.com.