Erin Layman, RN, a labor and delivery nurse on the Obstetrics Unit, has been honored as Mercy Memorial Hospital System’s DAISY Award winner.
Layman, a graduate of Monroe County Community College, began her nursing career at MMHS in 1999 on 2-South and then started as a labor and delivery nurse in 2005.
“I am overwhelmed to receive this award,” she said, “this is just what we do as L&D nurses. When you do labor and delivery, you are part of those moments in life where it forever changes. I look at it as such a privilege.”
Layman’s nominator recalled the rough labor and delivery in 2008 in which her newborn was born in a very serious condition very late at night.
“At about 7 a.m. the next morning, (Layman) came into my room and brought him to me from the nursery,” she said. “I said to her ‘what are you still doing here? You were supposed to leave last night.’ To which Layman responded ‘I couldn’t leave him in there alone.’ She stayed with my son all night while he had to be away from me. She way over exceeded any expectation I had of her. She had her own kids at home waiting and she stayed with my baby – not because she had to – but because she wanted to.”
Layman said, this particular night and patient have stuck with her throughout the years.
“I remember this patient, I remember the room, everything about them,” she said. “She is a patient I will always remember. I’ll never forget them either. It really was memorable.”
Layman said she feels proud to have a job she loves – as she gets to see a miracle happen every day.
“I will never forget her,” Layman’s nominator said. “This year my son started kindergarten and on his first day of school, I could not help but think that if it weren’t for her I would have never seen that day with him, nor any of the other wonderful memories I have with my son.”
The Dundee resident was not only presented her award during a staff meeting, but she also received a DAISY Award signature lapel pin and a hand-carved sculpture “A Healer’s Touch.” To further celebrate, the staff were treated to Cinnabon’s cinnamon rolls – with the reminder that the scent will remind them of how special they are and how important their work is.
The DAISY Award is an international program which rewards excellence in nursing. It was created by the DAISY Foundation to recognize clinical skills, extraordinary compassion and care exhibited by nurses every day.
The DAISY Foundation began in memory of Patrick Barnes, 33, who died from complications of idiopathic thrombocystpenic purpura (ITP). The DAISY Foundation is dedicated to funding research to help fight immune system diseases. Since Patrick and his family were touched with remarkable care during his illness, the family made it their mission to recognize exceptional nurses around the country.
Forms for nominations are available on the nursing units and can be completed and returned to the unit for consideration. In addition, an electronic version is available on www.mercymemorial.org.
