02 Mar DAISY Award: Registered Nurse Marie Flanagan Honored by OMC
Medical/Surgical/Pediatrics RN Marie Flanagan Named DAISY Extraordinary Nurse

Chief Nursing Officer Vickie Swanson, RN, BSN, MSN and Denise Harman, MSN, RN, director of medical/surgical/pediatrics, recently presented Marie Flanagan, RN, with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®. The award, created by the DAISY Foundation, recognizes the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care provided to patients and families every day.
Flanagan was recognized for her work in the medical/surgical unit caring for a scared and disoriented stroke patient. The patient’s daughter commended Flanagan for the hope and reassurance she gave to the patient and her family. According to Harman, Flanagan’s supervisor, this recognition is right on par with her work ethic. “Marie is a valued member of the Medical/Surgical/Pediatrics team and this Daisy Award is well deserved,” said Harman. “Her compassion for our patients is unmatched. She goes above and beyond to ensure our patients are receiving the quality care they deserve. Marie is a shining example of what a nurse should be. We are honored to have her on our team.”
Flanagan’s DAISY Award nomination read:
“To listen is to care; and to care is to listen. Marie not only showed the utmost care but she listened.
My mother, a retired nurse herself, found herself battling cancer, with a broken hip, and navigating a surgical stroke when she was admitted on Med/Surg. She was scared and disoriented.
Marie was patient, kind and made my mom feel at ease. She provided hope and reassurance over and over as many times as mom needed it. She was encouraging and was a cheerleader when mom needed it most.
She not only was that person for my mother but for me as well. She acted on my concerns quickly and communicated with me in a way that was easy to understand and kept my mind at ease.
My mom, a former regional nursing director, gave Marie the highest compliment by saying she would hire her and my mom is a tough cookie to please! Marie, we can’t thank you enough!”

From left: Denise Harman, MSN, RN; Marie Flanagan, RN; and Vickie Swanson, RN, BSN, MSN.
Olympic Medical nurses may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. Each honoree receives a certificate commending her or him as an “Extraordinary Nurse.” The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” Honorees also receive a DAISY Award pin and a meaningful, hand-carved sculpture called A Healer’s Touch.
About the DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Foundation is a 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 an 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 can be found at DAISYfoundation.org.