Michele Harkin-Meverden, RN, wins DAISY Award

PHOTO LINK: Michele Harkin-Meverden, RN

Spearfish, S.D. (April 16, 2021) – Michele Harkin-Meverden, a registered nurse and manager of Surgical Services at Monument Health Spearfish Hospital has received the prestigious DAISY Award. A national program, the award is presented to nurses who go above and beyond for their patients and community. She was nominated by a patient.

The patient described how Michele brought calm into the room with her and putting people at ease seemed to come naturally to her. “Michelle helped me get ready for the procedure, never made me feel rushed and explained everything,” said the patient. “Michele could feel my anxiety and she could tell that I was dealing with something. She looked at me and said, ‘take everything you are dealing with, and when you are under – let it go!’”

Michele’s attention and kindness made a big impact on the patient. Even as Michele worked with other people, she kept returning to the patient to ensure that she was okay. “When she was no longer going to be in the area, she came to me and thanked me for our moments together, gave me a big hug and told me, “you got this.”

The DAISY Award recognizes the outstanding professionalism and compassion that nurses bring to patients and families every day. It was established by the DAISY Foundation in California in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 of an autoimmune disease. DAISY is an acronym for “diseases attacking the immune system.” Nurses in Rapid City are selected 12 times a year for this recognition. Nurses are also honored in Custer, Lead-Deadwood, Spearfish and Sturgis. Visit monument.health/daisy to nominate.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Wade Ellett
Communications Specialist
Strategic Marketing and Communications
Monument Health
wellett@monument.health