TUH-Main Campus nurse Zechariah (Zack) Mathur, RN, who works in the NSICU, earned the DAISY Award for his exceptional work on behalf of his patients, his encouragement and support of his team members, and for setting an outstanding example for nursing students, like the one who wrote the nomination below:
“I am nominating Zechariah Mathur for the DAISY Award not as a patient or patient’s family member, but rather as a nursing student whom he has precepted. On behalf of all the patients he has taken care of, I wholeheartedly believe he deserves this award. The ten weeks I spent working closely with Zack inspired me to become not only a good and ethical, but also a kind and compassionate, nurse.
There were many instances when he demonstrated a strong sense of advocating for his patients, making sure every single one of their physical and psychosocial needs was met, even staying past the end of his shift. Zack made sure his patients were heard, whether that was ensuring they felt comfortable by engaging in therapeutic communication or easing their anxiety with his bright smile and enthusiastic demeanor. He always goes the extra mile for patients, always offering them things to ensure they feel comfortable and secure.
Many residents, doctors, and nurses on his floor as well as others agree that he’s known for having the friendliest soul and being a team player. I witnessed his professionalism when he consistently communicated to a patient and his family about the medications he was taking, his IV lines, and the processes and pathology of his condition every time we entered their room. He calmly de-escalated the family’s frustrations whenever they arose and ensured their voices were heard.
Zack always made sure to help out all the nurses on the floor during every single shift, even when they didn’t actively seek help. He would poke his head into the rooms and immediately don his gloves and pitch in. When someone had an issue, he was always the first one there: not complaining, but happily and calmly dealing with the situation.
His actions during every shift I worked with him touched my heart, and I know patients and hospital staff feel the same way. I think the most important thing Zack has done is inspire and motivate me to become a compassionate, empathetic, team-oriented, and kind nurse just like he is, because that’s the type of nurse we need in the world.”
The DAISY Award was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away from an autoimmune disease. The Barnes family was awestruck by the clinical skills, caring, and compassion of the nurses who cared for Patrick, and created this international award to say thank you to nurses everywhere.