DeShields Earns a Sunshine Award

Bayhealth’s April DeShields, CNA, cares for patients at Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus and has been awarded the Sunshine Award. Her devotion to every patient, even the ones that are not her own, did not go unnoticed by one attentive daughter.

The Sunshine Award recognizes the vital team members who support our nursing staff and work closely together in order to provide compassionate care to patients. The Sunshine Award is an extension of the DAISY Award-- “as daisies need sunshine to grow.”

Often times, the key to comfort is through human connections. DeShields was able to establish a connection with a mother, father, and their daughter in order to create a comfortable atmosphere.

While assisting another CNA, DeShields had come across a familiar face. The patient was the husband of another patient that DeShields had cared for when she worked for a home care facility.

DeShields had previously cared for the patient’s wife while she was dealing with the late stages of dementia. She took the time to talk with him and talk about his wife.

DeShields’ compassion and integrity made both the patient and his daughter feel at ease in her presence. Dependable, team player, hard worker, and respectful are the words used by the patient’s daughter when describing her.

“I cannot thank her enough for the love and care she gave my mom and the respect she gave to my dad. It is ironic, April made a statement in my mom’s memory tree, ‘Rita, you are my sunshine.’ April deserves the Sunshine Award,” her nominator stated.

Sunshine Award honorees are nominated by patients, visitors, nurses, physicians, and employees. If you know someone that deserves a Sunshine Award, visit Bayhealth.org/Sunshine and nominate them today.