SVMC Announces DAISY Award Honoree

BENNINGTON, VT—Wednesday, October 4, 2023—Patrice Wright, RN, a nurse in the Women’s and Children’s Services (WCS) was the September recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses at Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC).

According to Pamela Duchene, PhD, APRN, SVHC’s chief nursing officer and vice president for Patient Care Services, “There’s nothing patients appreciate more than having a caring and compassionate individual by their side during a challenging time. Patrice’s nursing skills and her ability to truly give her all to her patients, really answers that need and it comes as no surprise that she would earn such glowing praise for doing a job she loves.”

Nominated by a patient who recently had her third daughter at WCS, Wright was recognized for the care demonstrated and compassion shared with both the mom- and dad-to-be throughout a long labor and delivery. The nomination read:

“I first encountered Patrice during a night shift when I was being monitored for pre-eclampsia … she was warm, bright, and very attentive. She helped me and my husband to feel calm and comfortable ... When I was being induced the next day, I was elated to see her and once again receive her care. She helped me through the many stages of labor and birth ... helping me to smile, cry it out, and just holding my hand through the pain while also coaching and encouraging me. I was over the moon to have her there for the birth of my daughter. If that wasn't enough, I was lucky enough to have her support and expertise while healing and caring for my newborn. No matter the hour of the day or the care needed, her dedication and love of her job was evident … She is a true gem, and I can't thank her enough for her skilled care.”

Reflecting on the honor, Wright said, “It means a tremendous amount to receive the DAISY Award. It shows me that my patients feel safe, comfortable, confident, and happy with my care. All I strive for is to be the best nurse I can be for my patients. Thank you to the patient that nominated me and to those that voted. I am forever grateful and honored.”

Wright earned an associate degree from Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing in 2019. After passing her boards she joined Southwestern Vermont Medical Center’s Med Surg Unit. In late 2020 she transitioned to WCS where she continues to provide excellent care to patients today.

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About SVMC:
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), a member hospital of Dartmouth Health, is a comprehensive, preeminent, healthcare system providing exceptional, convenient, and affordable care to the communities of Bennington and Windham Counties of Vermont, eastern Rensselaer and Washington Counties of New York, and northern Berkshire County in Massachusetts. SVMC includes Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center, the SVHC Foundation, as well as 25 primary and specialty care practices.

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center is among the most lauded small rural health systems in the nation. It is the recipient of the American Hospital Association’s 2020 Rural Hospital Leadership Award. In addition, SVMC is a five-time recipient of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence. The health system is fortunate to have the support of platinum-level corporate sponsor Mack, a leading supplier of contract manufacturing services and injection molded plastic parts based in Arlington, VT.

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center provides exceptional care without discriminating on the basis of an individual’s age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Language assistance services, free of charge, are available at 1-800-367-9559.

SVMC Contact: leslie.keefe@svhealthcare.org

About Dartmouth Health: Dartmouth Health, New Hampshire’s only academic health system and the state’s largest private employer, serves patients across northern New England. Dartmouth Health provides access to more than 2,000 providers in almost every area of medicine, delivering care at its flagship hospital, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, NH, as well as across its wide network of hospitals, clinics and care facilities. DHMC is consistently named the #1 hospital in New Hampshire by U.S. News & World Report, and is recognized for high performance in numerous clinical specialties and procedures. Dartmouth Health includes Dartmouth Cancer Center, one of only 51 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the nation, and the only such center in northern New England; Dartmouth Health Children’s, which includes the state’s only children’s hospital and multiple locations around the region; member hospitals in Lebanon, Keene and New London, NH, and Windsor, VT; and Visiting Nurse and Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire; and more than 24 clinics that provide ambulatory and specialty services across New Hampshire and Vermont. Through its historical partnership with Dartmouth and the Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth Health trains nearly 400 medical residents and fellows annually, and performs cutting-edge research and clinical trials recognized across the globe with Geisel and the White River Junction VA Medical Center in White River Junction, VT. Dartmouth Health and its more than 13,000 employees are deeply committed to serving the healthcare needs of everyone in our communities, and to providing each of our patients with exceptional, personal care.

DH Contact: news@dartmouth-health.org