CHICAGO – Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), Chicago has honored CTCA® Chicago nurse, Julie Rout, RN BSN OCN, with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in recognition for her commitment and patient-centered approach to care. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.
Rout, who lives in Lake Villa, Ill, has been a care manager with the stem cell transplant and cell therapy program at the comprehensive care and research center in Zion, Ill. for more than five and half years. In her role she serves as one of the point persons on the stem cell team, helping to make sure the patient’s needs are being addressed both during and after their treatment journey.
“CTCA Chicago nurse care managers play a critical role in a patient’s experience,” says Laarni Florece Samaniego, DNP, MSN, RN, OCN, HN-BC, Stem Cell Transplant & Cell Therapy Program / Director of Patient Care Services. “Whether it's coordinating doctor appointments and treatment visits, filling prescriptions or explaining processes, Julie’s leadership, dedication and compassion are felt by all, but especially her patients.”
Rout was inspired to go into nursing at an early age when her grandfather, who was diagnosed with cancer, was put into hospice. “His nurse was absolutely amazing; she provided him with a great level of care and brought him so much peace,” said Rout.
Rout was nominated for the Daisy Award by a patient, who anonymously shares: “Julie has been and continues to be a joy to work with in my on-going cancer treatment. She is a constant source of assistance and a ceaseless source of vital information regarding the overall cancer treatment process. She is always happy to explain anything that I do not quite understand; always going the extra mile to follow up with me during subsequent physician appointments to ensure that I am comfortable with my understanding of any changes in my treatment process. She is the perfect balance of both personable and professional…”
“My nursing career is very rewarding. I take being a nurse and helping people during vulnerable times as a privilege,” said Rout. “Everyone deserves to be cared for and understood, especially during a time when they may feel like they don’t have control over what’s happening in their lives.”
Each quarter, a nurse is selected to receive the DAISY Award by an awards committee, comprised of CTCA Chicago nursing leadership and peers. At a presentation given in front of Rout’s nursing peers, colleagues, physicians, patients, and visitors, she received a certificate commending her for being an "Extraordinary Nurse." Rout also received a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.
“As a Magnet® designated hospital, nurses at CTCA Chicago are among the most skilled and patient-focused in the nation. They are empowered to achieve excellence in an atmosphere that embraces the Mother Standard® of care, the patient-focused principle upon which CTCA was founded,” says Jacklynn Lesniak, MS, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at CTCA Chicago. “As I read through the Daisy Award nominations each quarter, I am always moved and inspired by the words patients share about this group of selfless professionals.”
About the Daisy Foundation/Award
The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon autoimmune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
"When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at CTCA are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award,” said Bonnie Barnes, president and co-founder of The DAISY Foundation.
This is one initiative of The DAISY Foundation whose overall goal is to help fight diseases of the immune system. Additionally, DAISY offers J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and provides assistance to ITP support groups. More information is available on their website www.DAISYfoundation.org.