Recognizing excellence: Emma Blackmon receives DAISY Award for nurse educators
(SACRAMENTO)
Emma Blackmon, PhD, RN, CCRN, director of nursing excellence, patient care services, has been awarded a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators, a reflection of her exceptional leadership, compassion, and commitment to advancing critical care nursing education. Her colleagues praise her as an inspiring mentor and expert educator whose impact is felt throughout UC Davis Health.
From one of four nominations total:
“I am writing to honor and nominate Emma Blackmon for the Educator Daisy Award.
Emma Blackmon, PhD, RN, CCRN, director of nursing excellence, patient care services, has been awarded a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators.
“My relationship with Emma began when she became the critical care educator eight years ago. At the time, I was a Clinical Resource Nurse in the CTICU. This provided me with close proximity to Emma. She was always available for questions and willing to take me under her wing to help with class education and skills day.
“Emma was (and remains) a huge asset and advocate for critical care nurses. During her time as the critical care educator, Emma oversaw and created learning opportunities and advancements for not only the ICU nurses, but also for nurses and ancillary staff throughout the hospital.
“During this time, some of the larger projects Emma oversaw included code blue training, the annual ICU Skills Day, Safe Patient Handling education, Alaris pump integration, and the development of the ICU new grad float pool onboarding program (aka Critical Care Fellowship).
“The Critical Care Fellowship program she co-created is a highly sought position for new grads to be accepted into. Emma has published an article reflecting on the program's successes and she assumed the role of instructor for many existing classes but brought her knowledge, experience, and vision to improve upon the existing classes.
“As with previous Daisy Award recipients, Emma is humble, kind, and puts the needs of others ahead of her own. She built trusting relationships with many health care practitioners throughout the hospital, setting the pace to justify the need for a second critical care educator.
“At the end of 2021, I was provided with the opportunity to work closely with Emma as an additional critical care educator. Again, she provided me with opportunities, respect, and encouragement as I grew in the new position. Emma is not only a valuable resource, but also my mentor and good friend. Since becoming a critical care educator, I have grown close with Emma, and I am honored to nominate her for the inaugural Educator Daisy Award. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this meaningful nomination.”
Congratulations, Emma, on your DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators!
About the DAISY Award:
The DAISY Award is part of The DAISY Foundation, an international program dedicated to recognizing nursing excellence. Established by the Barnes family in memory of their son, Patrick, the award honors the exceptional, compassionate care Patrick received from nurses during his eight-week hospitalization. To express their gratitude, the family created the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, celebrating the remarkable and often unsung work nurses perform every day at the bedside.
