NMMC Presents DAISY Award to Vanegas

TUPELO, Mississippi— North Mississippi Medical Center recently presented a DAISY Award to Stephanie Vanegas, a licensed practical nurse on 4 South.

Vanegas was nominated by a case manager for her extraordinary care of a vulnerable adult patient who suffered from neglect and was under the care of Adult Protective Services. “Stephanie made sure the patient knew she was safe and would be well cared for,” her nomination states. “She was able to build a connection of trust.”

When the patient told her nurse that she had not had her hair washed in over a year, Vanegas gave her a bath and spent extra time washing and styling the patient’s hair. Upon learning that the patient had no clean clothes or toiletries, Vanegas purchased some for her.

“Stephanie was able to provide this small form of comfort for someone who had already suffered so much,” the case worker wrote, noting that she upheld the patient’s dignity and worth while showing her that she was seen, heard and cared about. “This is just one example of the kindness, compassion and humility that Stephanie shows on a daily basis to all of her patients and coworkers,” she concluded.

Vanegas joined the NMMC team in 2022 after completing her LPN training at Bevill State Community College in Hamilton, Alabama. In December 2023, she completed her associate degree in nursing. She also holds tuberculosis (TB) testing certification.

Vanegas received a certificate, a DAISY Award pin, a bouquet donated by Bishop’s Flower Shop and a hand-carved stone sculpture titled A Healer’s Touch. The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary compassionate and skillful care given by nurses every day. Nomination forms are available throughout NMMC or at www.nmhs.net/daisy-award. For more information, call (662) 377-3431 or email daisyawards@nmhs.net.