A NIGERIAN nurse, Rosemary Okaroafor, has been awarded the prestigious DAISY Award by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America (NANNNA), in recognition of her exceptional commitment and selfless service in patient care.
Rebecca, a healthcare professional at General Hospital Karshi, Abuja, emerged as the winner from a shortlist of four outstanding candidates at the NANNNA-DAISY event held on Monday, October 14 in Abuja.
The three runners-up were also recognised for their contributions and received honorary pins during the event.
The DAISY Award is an internationally recognised honour for nurses who demonstrate exceptional compassion in patient care.
While providing background into the award, a member of the board of directors of NANNNA, Emilia Iwu, said Daisy was an acronym for diseases attacking the immune system.
According to her, the Daisy Award began in 1999 in honour of a patient, Patrick Bran, who died from an immune disease condition.
“As a result, the foundation decided to be honouring nurses who are doing compassionate care. So this award has been going on in the United States, some African countries, and many other countries, but this is the first time it is coming to Nigeria.
“It came about because the NANNNA has been doing great work in Nigeria, the United States and globally.
“And because of what we have been doing, Daisy approached NANNNA to come and partner with them so that we can recognise the good work our nurses are doing in Nigeria. We know that you’re working very hard and the situation is very frustrating. We know that your work environment is testing and sometimes you don’t have light, and no matter the conditions you still come back the next day,” she said.
She further explained that NANNNA was an umbrella association of Nigerian nurses abroad that brings together all chapters of Nigerian nurses in different states in North America.
Iwu said the association’s mission was to improve healthcare for all Nigerians, home or abroad.
“We are adopting, renovating and equipping primary healthcare centres and training their staff. So far, we have adopted 16 PHCs. We started with six, and this year, we are going to adopt an additional six,” Iwu said.
Also, speaking with The ICIR after the award presentation, the director of nursing services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Franca Okafor, applauded NANNNA for its support and motivation for Nigerian nurses.
While lauding Rebecca for her unwavering commitment to patient care, she said her dedication to her work had not only earned her the admiration of her peers but also brought pride to the Nigerian nursing community.
She noted that the award would motivate many healthcare professionals to serve Nigeria.
Providing a patient’s account of Rosemary’s impact on healthcare delivery, she explained how a five-year-old boy was admitted with a complex medical diagnosis.
Being anxious and feeling overwhelmed by the diagnosis, coupled with her financial constraint, Rosemary sat with the boy’s mother, Zainab, and made her understand the treatment plan.
She addressed each concern, offering reassurance and emotional support. She went around the hospital, seeking help to ensure Zainab’s son received all the necessary treatment.
In her remark, Rosemary expressed gratitude to American and Nigerians nursing associations for deeming it fit to crown her the Daisy award winner.
“This award isn’t just about me; it’s about the countless nurses who work tirelessly behind the scenes, often without recognition. It’s about the nurse who stayed late to comfort a frightened patient, the nurse who advocated for a patient’s rights, and the nurse who simply listened with empathy.
“I remember why I became a nurse, to make a difference, one patient at a time. Today I am reminded that our work matters. We are the guidance of hope, compassion and care,” she stated.
On his part, the president of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Jama Maden, also highlighted the importance of recognising the efforts of nurses like Rebecca, who often work tirelessly to ensure lives are saved.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: [email protected]. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M