Frank Riehl, RN, a registered nurse at Temple University Hospital–Main Campus, recently received a DAISY Award in recognition of his professionalism, compassion, and patient-centered approach while providing care for a patient.
The patient had refused initial nursing and medical interventions, despite multiple educational rounds from different teams regarding the risks associated with multiple complications.
“Establishing trust and engaging the patient in care proved difficult for many members of the healthcare team. As a newly graduated nurse who had just recently completed orientation, Frank voluntarily accepted the challenge and approached the patient with remarkable empathy, patience, and determination,” according to Riehl’s nomination for the DAISY Award. “Frank took the time to listen to the patient's concerns, fears, and preferences, rather than focusing solely on the patient's refusals and tasks. Through therapeutic communication, active listening, and genuine compassion, Frank built a positive rapport that helped the patient feel heard and valued. Frank demonstrated exceptional clinical judgment by identifying the patient's unique needs and tailoring his approach accordingly.”
Riehl’s combination of clinical knowledge, compassion, and critical thinking helped create an individualized, patient-centered approach to the patient’s care that prioritized the patient’s safety and dignity, according to Riehl’s nomination.
“Frank's actions embody the core values of nursing: compassion, advocacy, respect, and excellence,” the nomination continued. “He transformed a difficult situation into an opportunity to build trust, improve patient engagement, and provide meaningful, individualized care. His commitment to doing what was best for his patient, regardless of the challenges involved, makes him highly deserving of DAISY Award recognition.”
About the DAISY Award
Hospitals and health systems have been recognizing exceptional nurses for compassionate and skilled care by conferring DAISY Awards for more than a quarter-century. Created in 1999, the DAISY Award honors the memory of J. Patrick Burnes, who died from an autoimmune disease. Moved by the clinical skills, caring, and compassion of the nurses who cared for Patrick, the Barnes family established the international DAISY Award to thank nurses everywhere. DAISY stands for diseases attacking the immune system, the affliction that claimed Patrick’s life.