Nursing excellence recognized

Madison Wirchansky felt tears well up in her eyes after learning she was nominated for the coveted DAISY Award, one of nursing's highest honors, which recognizes extraordinary care and compassion among nurses, educators and students.

"It's a big deal just to be nominated, especially as a student," Wirchansky said.

It's an even bigger deal to win the award - and now the senior nursing major at the University of Delaware can add that to her résumé.

"I was filled with joy, and seeing my mom in the crowd taking photos, the news was in our family group chat before I even sat down," she said.

Wirchansky was one of two UD recipients of DAISY honors this year. Michelle DePhillips, assistant professor of nursing, also received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators.

Wirchansky received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students for her leadership and service. Her accomplishments include volunteering with the Brandywine Lifesavers program, which introduces middle schoolers to nursing careers, and serving as president of the Student Nurses Organization (SNO). There, she helped bolster enrollment and build camaraderie by creating "Scrub Buddies," a mentorship program that pairs first-year students with upperclassmen to foster connection and support.

Joanne Creasy Thomas, associate instructor of nursing and SNO advisor, nominated Wirchansky.

"Maddie is set apart as a student leader and reflects the potential to become a compassionate and effective nurse who will positively impact the future of healthcare," Thomas wrote.

Elizabeth Speakman, chief nurse administrator and senior associate dean of the School of Nursing (SON), is proud of Wirchansky.

"Madison embodies the compassion, leadership and commitment to service we strive to cultivate in every UD nurse," Speakman said. "She represents the future of nursing."

For Wirchansky, the recognition offered reassurance.

"I spent a lot of time wondering if I was cut out for a career as a nurse," Wirchansky said. "This award validated that I'm on the right path."

Inspired by family and a lifelong focus on service, Wirchansky hopes to work in pediatric oncology or the neonatal intensive care unit.

"As a nurse, you must always remember you're caring for someone's loved one, so you must have the drive to continually improve, learn from your mistakes, and provide compassionate care, treating every patient like family," she said.