Maggie Sullivan honored with DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses

Metro Wire Staff

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – Maggie Sullivan, a registered nurse in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital & Clinics, has been awarded the prestigious DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

Sullivan was nominated by a teammate, who remained unnamed in the news release, for her exceptional care of a patient undergoing cardiac rehabilitation following a bypass procedure. The patient was experiencing severe fatigue, lightheadedness, and difficulties with mobility, prompting Sullivan to investigate further.

After considering the patient’s adherence to a strict cardiac diet, Sullivan suspected the patient might be suffering from hyponatremia—a condition caused by low sodium levels. Sullivan collaborated with Ashley, a dietitian, and discovered that around 20 percent of the population may not thrive on a very low sodium diet, which was standard advice for cardiac patients.

Sullivan recommended the patient increase their sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day. Within 48 hours, the patient experienced a remarkable improvement in energy, mood, and physical stamina, including the ability to walk for 35 minutes on a treadmill without lightheadedness.

The nomination praised Sullivan’s critical thinking and her willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, noting that this was a valuable learning experience for the entire staff.

The DAISY Award recognizes nurses who demonstrate extraordinary care and exceed the needs and expectations of their patients, embodying the core values of Compassion, Accountability, Collaboration, Foresight, and Joy.

About the DAISY Award

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide daily. Established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of an autoimmune disease in 1999, the award is now used in over 1,300 health care facilities worldwide.

About Aspirus Health

Aspirus Health is a nonprofit, community-directed health system based in Wausau, Wisconsin, serving northeastern Minnesota, northern and central Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The health system operates 18 hospitals and 130 outpatient locations with nearly 14,000 team members, including 1,300 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians. Learn more at aspirus.org.