Registered Nurse Frank Maggio receives the Alice Hyde DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, for his care of 10-year-old Jaxson, after he experienced a life-threatening allergic reaction.

The University of Vermont Health Network and our partner locations regularly celebrate our nurses and their achievements. Our nurses go above and beyond to provide patients and their families with the best possible care rooted in compassion. UVMHN would like to officially congratulate Frank Maggio, RN, for receiving this year’s DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses at the UVM Health Network—Alice Hyde Medical Center.

Back in early April, Ashley LaBare’s evening took a terrifying turn when her 10-year-old son, Jaxson, began suffering a life-threatening allergic reaction to his medication. With Jaxson’s diverse and unpredictable allergies, the situation quickly became critical. Ashley rushed her son Jaxson to Alice Hyde’s Emergency Department, where Frank Maggio, Emergency Department RN at Alice Hyde, immediately met them upon arrival.

“It was truly a worst-case scenario, but it’s also the best experience I’ve ever had in the emergency room,” stated Ashley. She added, “Jaxson was treated quickly, and [Frank] did an amazing job taking care of him and reassuring us as parents.” 

Maggio’s swift epinephrine administration and clear, reassuring communication throughout Jaxson’s recovery were instrumental. He ensured that Jaxson’s family understood each step of the treatment process and provided invaluable advice for managing potential future reactions. The impact of this experience on Ashley, Jaxson, and their family was so profound that Ashley felt compelled to nominate Frank Maggio for this year’s DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

The DAISY Foundation’s DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is a prestigious recognition program that honors nurses who significantly influence the lives of patients and staff. The program collects voluntary nominations from patients, their families, or coworkers within the Network. This evidence-based form of meaningful acknowledgment, spanning the past two decades, has proven strategic in enhancing our nurses’ overall job satisfaction and sense of pride in their work. Patient nominations for the DAISY Award Program have helped our nursing teams thrive, with reported improvements in individual job satisfaction, retention rate, teamwork, organizational culture, and overall work environment.

During a surprise ceremony in the hospital’s Emergency Department, Alice Hyde’s chief nursing officer, Rebecca Shutts, praised Maggio for his achievement. “Providing care quickly and sharing information to inform and empower everyone involved is critical,” Shutts stated. “[Frank’s] care of a young patient, and his focus on keeping the patient’s parents informed and sharing information to help them make informed medical decisions and advocate for their child was truly extraordinary and what the DAISY Award is all about.”

The UVM Health Network and our partner locations, including Alice Hyde, are staffed with dynamic teams of nurses—all committed to providing unparalleled, compassionate care for our patients. Congratulations, Frank Maggio, and thank you for embodying the essence of the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Your exemplary care, clear communication, and dedication to kindness in healthcare continue to inspire us. 

Are you interested in developing a fulfilling nursing career at UVMHN? Explore opportunities across Vermont and Northern New York at https://www.uvmhealthnetworkcareers.org/nursing.html.