DAISY Award
Congratulations to
Heather Sims of Children’s Surgery Center PACU
Heather Sims' compassion and relentless advocacy for her patients, and their families, goes above and beyond. Her level of empathy for our Hematology/ Oncology pediatric patient population is obvious in her day to day care. Every shift you can find Heather crying, celebrating or laughing with her patients and families throughout their journey with UC Davis Children's Hospital.
The perfect example of this was when she heard of the St. Baldricks Foundation. The timing of discovering this organization and the discovery of a nursing colleague, who's son was diagnosed with ALL at 3 months of age, was more than coincidental. Heather felt helpless and wanted to find a way to give back and help. She said, "we've got to something besides just providing care for these kids and their families every week." She decided to contact St. Baldricks in honor of the battle that he, and all of these children are fighting. Heather was not content with just going and raising a few thousand dollars and shaving her head with everyone else at the main event. She organized a special event to be held in the UC Davis Children's Surgery Center. Not only did she organize this to be able to give back to this population, she recruited 5 of her colleagues, a patient's mother, and a colleague's wife to all contribute to the great cause by raising money and shaving their heads too. Heather, through the organization of this event helped to raise over $26,000 for childhood cancer research. Her way of expressing her feelings and advocating for these patients showed through in the success of the head shaving event at Children's Surgery Center.
This is a perfect example of the nurse Heather embodies every moment, of every shift. She always gives 150% to every patient and their family. She makes a lasting impression and defined difference in the lives of her patients and all those around her. 
About the DAISY Award
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses recognizes outstanding members of the nursing community and the very special work they do every day. It was established by the DAISY Foundation in memory of the extraordinary nursing J. Patrick Barnes received when he was hospitalized. (DAISY is an acronym for diseases attacking the immune system.) This nursing recognition award program offers patients, families, and professional colleagues a way to honor nurses for all they do. The DAISY awardees consistently demonstrate excellence through their clinical expertise and extraordinary compassionate care.
