Kim Graff, RN, with SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital Medical/Surgical, has been awarded The DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes nurses who have devoted their life’s work to the compassionate care of others. Award recipients are nominated for their dedication to nursing through active mentoring, role modeling, advocating for their patients and promoting the positive image of nursing. They serve as a beacon of inspiration to those at all stages of their career and in the various and important roles of nursing. The DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award gives staff a way to express their gratitude, and recognize the legacies that have sustained and shaped the heritage of nursing. Honorees are considered for The DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award honorees are considered based on their distinguished career as a nurse in clinical practice, administration, education, and/or research that promote a positive image of professional nursing; professional development of self and others in the nursing profession; role model and advocate for nursing practice and the advancement of nursing as a professional; advocate for the improvement of patient care and serves as an exemplar for enhancing the patient experience; recognition by the broader nursing community as a transformational nursing leader; and more than 25 years of service. Graff was nominated by her fellow teammates. Here are some nomination comments.
Kim has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to patient advocacy throughout the years I have known her. Her efforts to ensure the highest quality of care for patients has not only positively impacted individual lives but also the friends and family members of her patients. She consistently goes above and beyond to champion the rights and well-being of her patients, advocating for their needs and promoting a patient-centered approach within our system. As a nursing professional, Kim has exhibited leadership skills in various capacities. Whether leading new nurses in orientation to be the best they can be both as a nurse and for their patients, faithful attendance to our local Medical/Surgical Council, or sharing her knowledge with fellow health care professionals, she consistently demonstrates an ability to inspire and guide others toward achieving excellent patient care. Kim has helped to shape and grow our nursing community through her input into raising awareness of potential safety issues, ways we can promote improved patient-centered care, advancing our orientation guidelines, and her compassionate care of her patients. She has partnered with our doctors, care managers, care partners, nurses, supervisors, and therapy departments to provide care that goes above and beyond the basics of what we do as nurses.
DAISY first began honoring nurses in 1999 after Bonnie and Mark Barnes’ son, Patrick, died at age 33 from an autoimmune disease. While Patrick was hospitalized, the Barnes family was overwhelmed by the care they received from nurses. After their son’s death, they launched the foundation as a meaningful way to honor the compassionate care nurses display every day. Recipients of the award receive a certificate, lapel pin and sculpture with a personalized plaque.
