Thea Hardy

(South Lake Tahoe, CA) July 26, 2022 — John Truesdell, registered nurse (RN) with Barton’s Emergency Department, was selected as a recipient of The DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses. The award is in recognition of the clinical skill and compassionate care nurses provide to create a superior experience for patients and their families.

Truesdell was nominated by a woman whose husband received emergency care at Barton Memorial Hospital following a ski accident. With his memory impaired and the extent of his injuries unknown, the family came in with a high level of anxiety. Throughout the visit, Truesdell fostered trust and empowerment, taking care to explain all procedures and ensure comprehension. The family reported feeling safe in his care despite an uncomfortable and frightening situation.

“It was a very scary experience as he had no memory from his concussion and we didn’t know how bad his injuries were yet. We were alone, as we aren’t from South Lake Tahoe, but the wonderful staff at Barton not only treated my husband, they made me feel safe, too,” said the nominator. “[Truesdell’s] care especially stood out. He treated us with so much care and explained everything that was going on so that I felt less afraid. He checked in on us frequently and addressed my husband’s discomfort. We are so very grateful for John’s care.”

Truesdell is a South Lake Tahoe native who attended nursing school at University of Reno. His interest in medicine progressed from years as a ski patroller and wilderness guide. “I wanted to do more for people than stabilize and transport,” said Truesdell. “My favorite part of my job is seeing an improvement in the patient’s condition, and of course, the knowledgeable, supportive, and fun team I work with.” He has been a nurse for 10 years.

Nurses may be nominated by patients and families, and the award recipient is chosen anonymously by a committee at Barton Health. As a winner of The DAISY Award, Truesdell received a certificate, a DAISY Award pin and a sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. Awards are presented quarterly at celebrations often attended by the honoree’s colleagues, patients, and visitors.

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died in 1999 at age 33 from complications of an autoimmune disease (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System). The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses.

To learn more and nominate a nurse for The DAISY Award, visit BartonHealth.org/Daisy.