Candi Jarvis, a registered nurse with St. Mary’s Emergency Department, has received St. Mary’s systemwide DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence.

Jarvis was nominated by St. Mary’s Performance Improvement Coordinator Les Rothrock, a 20-year veteran of nursing who got to see her in action on Oct. 27 when his wife was rushed to St. Mary’s with symptoms of a stroke.

“I received a call that she was in the emergency department,” Rothrock wrote in Jarvis’ nomination. “As you can imagine, this was a very stressful situation. My wife, Emely, and her nephew, who accompanied her to the hospital, were very impressed with Candi’s calm yet professional demeanor. And Candi explained in detail what had happened and assured me that she would keep me posted on any changes in her condition.”

The news was good for the Rothrock’s family: Testing indicated Emely had suffered a complex migraine. The intense headache had mimicked the signs of a dangerous hemorrhagic stroke, but had left no lasting harm. As Rothrock drove up to the door to take his wife home, Jarvis made a positive impression again.

“There was a car in front of mine with an older gentleman and his wife. Candi did not hesitate to jump in and assist them as well,” Rothrock wrote. “Candi displays such a selfless concern and passion in action and voice. It feels so good to see what effect passion in words and action can have and the peace it can bring when your world turns upside down.”

“Our whole Emergency Department team is outstanding, but Candi is especially deserving of this honor,” said Emergency Department Director John Reeck. “The compassion she shows to patients and their families, her situational awareness, and her passion to provide great care are exceptional. I’m so glad she is part of our team.”

Jarvis is a resident of Elbert County who joined St. Mary’s in July 2020. She and her husband, Shannon Jarvis, have two daughters, Emma Grace, 17, and Tori, 15.

“Receiving the DAISY Award is something that a nurse can take with them for their entire career,” said Ann Gomes, director of Orthopedics and chair of St. Mary's DAISY Award Committee. “It’s special for every nurse who receives it. We are proud of all our nurses, but especially proud of Candi and all of our DAISY Award recipients.”