CONTRIBUTED PHOTO - DAISY award winner Betty Dammen of Melbourne, second from left and holding award, is pictured with other UnityPoint Health colleagues recently.

Veteran nurse Betty Dammen of UnityPoint Health-Marshalltown was shocked when chosen recently to receive the DAISY award for excellence in nursing.

After all, she had nominated several colleagues for the DAISY.

Dammen, an emergency department staff nurse, was working her shift there during the late afternoon of July 19 when the vicious EF-3 tornado first struck the town’s northwest quadrant, plowed down Main Street, then moved into the northeast neighborhood before lifting off east of the Marshalltown Generating Station.

“She displayed compassion and leadership during and after the tornado,” according to colleagues who nominated her, and judges agreed.

Dammen speculated she won because of an encounter with some people. She had met the same folks another time — also under trying circumstances — the death of an infant.

“I am only guessing it was that (encounter) based on what I read,” she said. “They (award presenters) could not divulge the name or names of those who nominated me.”

Dammen said during the tornado, and its aftermath, she did not do more than her colleagues.

“We saw and treated casualties from the tornado and others who came in,” she said. “The people I came in contact had lots of glass shards and minor cuts. A woman had a bump to the head and was not acting like herself. We had people who thought they were in a bad dream, and had just woke up.

“They could not believe what had just happened. I did not do anything more than others … and when not needed I went home. There were more people who did more than me … I feel silly being recognized.”

Others felt differently.

“Congratulations to Betty on receiving the DAISY award for her outstanding commitment to patient care,” UnityPoint Health spokesperson Amber Huisman said. “Recognized for her positive attitude and ability to lead the Emergency Department team during the tornado, Betty was also nominated due to her compassion to both patients and fellow team members in the face of hardship. A true mentor and public servant, Betty lives the DAISY values and we are truly honored to have her as part of our team.”

Dammen was proud to say she has worked 46.5 years as a nurse, all at UnityPoint Health-Marshalltown. She worked in two other departments — Medical Surgery, then Obstetrics, then back to Medical Surgical before finding a home in ER.

“I really enjoy the ER,” she said

She estimates she is in her 10th year in the department.

“Betty exemplifies our best,” colleague and ER doctor Lance VanGundy said. “She provides the highest quality of compassionate care to all patients, treats coworkers with respect, carries herself with professionalism and causes the department to brighten whenever she laughs. All of this wrapped-up in the admirable Midwest work ethic. That is Betty, and I count myself fortunate when she is on shift.”

Dammen and her family live on a farm in the Melbourne area. She thinks growing up on a farm as a youngster gave her the opportunity to gain life skills which have served her well.

“I grew up in a family of nine children,” she said. “We all had certain chores we were responsible to do. We missed out on some activities because of them, but it was necessary.”

Dammen was candid on another topic — the perception some have of the local hospital.

“I know the hospital gets a bad rap from some people,” she said. “I know some have expectations for treatment not needed. We have to support our local hospital.”

About the DAISY Award

The DAISY Award is a program that rewards excellence in nursing. It was created by the DAISY Foundation to recognize the clinical skills, extraordinary compassion and care exhibited by nurses every day. The award is given to outstanding nurses in more than 1,500 hospitals in nine countries.