Marie Therrien is a Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and House Supervisor of the Medical/Surgical Department at Door County Medical Center (DCMC). Since 2008 she has been using her nursing skills to care for and comfort patients. She started out as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the Women's and Children's Clinic, earned her RN degree and migrated to Med/Surg in 2010 where she flourished and became House Supervisor in 2013.

Therrien knew she wanted to be a nurse when she watched hospice nurses care for her Grandmother, "I knew I wanted to offer the same kindness, empathy, and compassion they gave my loved one to others."

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide everyday. Now, 21 years after its creation, The DAISY Foundation works with over 5,400 healthcare facilities and nursing schools in all 50 states and in 33 other countries and territories.

Anyone can nominate a nurse for a Daisy Award. Therrien's heartwarming nomination came anonymously through the DCMC website:

"I had not gotten a haircut in 20 years and had many split ends so when I got my hair brushed, it hurt me. I was talking to my Nurse (Marie) about it and she offered to bring her scissors from home. She came in the next day and got me into a wheelchair, washed and brushed my hair, then cut off 8 inches. That was very nice for her to go out of her way to do that for me. I appreciate her special care for me."

Therrien says the award was unexpected, "I don't think any nurse ever does something for recognition. We identify an unmet need, and we take the opportunity to improve their situation. I saw the patient as a whole, and not just as their medical diagnosis. A haircut is not a nursing intervention, nor did it change her medical situation, but it made her feel better. If something so simple can make someone feel better, then why wouldn't you do it? Plus, I got to be a hairdresser for a day!"

We asked Therrien what she loves about working at DCMC. Her response, "If one department needs help, the organization works together to find support. Operating Room staff has assisted in the kitchen, Med/Surg helps the Skilled Nursing Facility, even our CEO stepped in to help clean rooms in the Emergency Department on a busy summer day. I don't believe that is something you would see in many other facilities. When everyone works so hard to take care of each other, it allows us to take amazing care of our community. This is what inspires me and makes it possible for me to put my whole heart into my work."

Therrien is quick to thank her entire team of extraordinary healthcare workers who consistently raise the bar for providing excellent patient care as well as the patient that nominated her. Additionally, she's grateful to her husband of 23 years who (along with her dog and two kittens) make coming home a joy.

The Door County Medical Center DAISY Committee gives out 4 awards each year—every November, February, May and August. Each DAISY Award recipient receives:

• The "Extraordinary Nurse" Certificate: recognizing the skill and compassion of that nurse and presented in a beautiful portfolio.
• The DAISY Award pin: great for pinning to a lapel or an I.D. badge.
• Hand-carved Stone Sculpture: A unique, Zimbabwean sculpture, entitled "A Healer's Touch."
• A DAISY Foundation Spotlight Article: which will feature on the DAISY Foundation website, include a photo of the Honoree, and tell the story of why the nurse was honored.

In addition to each individual award, and the recognition that the nurse receives at the award ceremony, DAISY Award recipients are also eligible for numerous benefits and opportunities, including:

• Grants: like the DAISY Medical Mission Grants, the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice (EBP), the Lynne Doll Grants for Dissemination of Findings, and the Health Equity Grants for Research and EBP.
• Reduced American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certification Fees: DAISY Honorees are eligible to apply for, or renew, their ANCC certification at a special reduced rate.
• Reduced Tuition: available at Chamberlain University College of Nursing through the DAISY Honoree scholarship.
• Conference Scholarships: Daisy Honorees can apply to the conference of their choice to support professional advancement.

Do you have a nurse who has touched your life or the life of a loved one? Please visit our DAISY Award page to learn more and submit a nomination!