Emergency Nurse Victoria Churich Honored With DAISY Award December 20, 2024 A journey that began with admiration for emergency care providers has come full circle for Victoria Churich, RN, who recently received the DAISY Award for her quick thinking that saved a young patient’s life in the Emergency Department of Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. After graduating college, Churich worked as an exercise physiologist, regularly observing ED staff while accompanying cardiac rehab patients. “I would watch their work and think, ‘I want to continue my care,'” said Churich. This inspiration led the Oregon State University alum in Kinesiology and Exercise Science to pursue her nursing degree. Churich’s career change proved pivotal when she recognized the signs of sepsis in a12-year-old patient, leading to life-saving interventions. “She looked sick, and sepsis is drilled into our head, to always be on the alert for it. She met the criteria,” Churich explained. The challenge was complicated by the girl’s age. “It’s tricky because she’s a kiddo. A lot of the sepsis guidelines are for adults. In the ER, children’s heart rates could be elevated anyway because they’re scared or in pain, making it really hard to determine if they’re really sick or just anxious.” The girl’s mother, Tammy Murry, RN, had brought her daughter to the ED after what began as leg pain worsened over several days. “I believe we arrived in Victoria’s care as Ava’s body was trying to stop compensating for the hidden infection she had been fighting,” Murry wrote in her nomination. “Victoria recognized this and had us transported out of there very fast and efficiently. I believe in my heart Ava made it to Randall’s (Children’s Hospital) just in time.” Despite receiving four new patients simultaneously, Churich prioritized Ava’s critical condition. “I knew I needed to give her all my attention,” Churich recalled. “Without even asking, my co-workers helped take care of my other three patients. That’s just the kind of relationship we have in the ED, it’s the most incredible work environment.” Murry praised Churich’s comprehensive care approach: “She did great at getting Ava comfortable. She mobilized help so quickly when she received her lab results and CT scan results. Her vital signs were worsening at the same time. Victoria was speedy and so kind throughout. In a flash, Ava’s pediatrician, the ER doctor, and resident were planning. Victoria helped the process of having Ava transported quickly by ambulance to Randall’s hospital.” The diagnosis proved to be a rare muscle abscess that had developed into sepsis. Thanks to Churich’s quick recognition and action, Ava received timely treatment. “Thank you, Victoria, for your kindness and efficiency! It truly saved my daughter’s life,” Murry wrote. “Being in a hospital can be very scary for kids, but you were able to take that fear away for her.” The DAISY Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura autoimmune disease. The care Barnes received inspired his family to create the award to thank nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patients’ families. Upon receiving the DAISY recognition, Churich remained humble: “I’m just honored that our hard work is appreciated. I feel honored that she decided to nominate me for the award, but it’s really a team effort. Especially in the emergency department, we rely on everyone so much to make sure that everything is getting done.” Caption: Emergency Department Nurse Victoria Chuirch reacts after learning that she had won a fall DAISY award.
