Pamela Ackerman is a deserving recipient of the DAISY Award. She demonstrates a level of clinical skill with transcendence. Pamela's commitment to nursing at CHKD is always on display. She is loved by staff, physicians, patients, and their families. 

Pamela recently had a patient whom she has known for his entire life. Let's call him Little Smith for anonymity. Pamela observed that Mom was very stressed out and invited Mom to wait in the exam room. Mom is totally trusting of Pamela after ten years of working with her. Of note, Little Smith is a child with developmental delays and other comorbidities. Pamela said, “Okay, Little Smith, it's time for your height and weight. You know how to do this part.” She obtained height, weight, and the other necessary vitals. You could hear the child audibly laughing and interacting with her. 

When she got to the room, Mom stated, “You have always been so good with Little Smith, thank you.” Mom then stated how she has always been so patient with Little Smith over the years. Mom stated, "I know you see so many kids. You always remember the little things. I know those things aren't in the chart." Mom said, "Thank you for always being there for Little Smith and me. We trust you fully and know that even if we forget something, you will not." Pamela responded, “I surely won’t.” Pamela always has these types of interactions with patients.

Pamela doesn't stop with patients. The staff knows she has an abundance of knowledge and always seeks her out. There is a saying on our unit: Can't figure it out or don't know? Seek out Ackerman- she will know. She always does. Pamela works closely with physicians as well. Pamela is always on the move to the next procedure, patient, or physician. She will always take the time out to help employees that are unfamiliar with workflow or procedures and is the ‘prior authorization QUEEN.’ For example, there was a patient who could not get approved for Sucraid. Pam reached out directly to the rep for that drug. Had it not been for that effort, the patient may have not received the medication. 

Dr. Lapsia also gave me permission to quote him. "Pamela is a dedicated and hardworking nurse, ALWAYS willing to stay late and always willing to pitch in.” 

Pamela always collaborates with the physicians to ensure the process is seamless for the provider and patient. Most importantly that the family of the patient understands their instructions (for example, the correct depth, angle, and sterile technique when giving an injection).  Pamela will always make sure that the patient comes first and has their needs met. Her loving dedication oozes out of her being. It's who she is at her core. There is none more deserving than her.