A LincolnHealth emergency department nurse who began nursing school when he was 38 received the hospital’s first DAISY Award Thursday, Dec. 3.

Eric Duffy, RN, had tears in his eyes as he was presented with flowers and a small statuette during a surprise ceremony attended by his wife and two children and his parents in the LincolnHealth Emergency Department. 

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses was created by the family of J. Patrick Barnes to honor nurses who give outstanding care. It recognizes the care Barnes received during a long struggle with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura, an auto immune disease. 

Christine Anderson, chief nursing officer at LincolnHealth, said Duffy’s ability to reach patients who are in crisis and his skill as a nurse made him a good candidate.

“He is memorable to his patients because he connects with them where they are. He embodies all the qualities of a nurse; he is smart, compassionate and kind,” said Anderson

Kerri Lilly, LincolnHealth inpatient clinical nurse supervisor, who has known Duffy for years, said one thing that stands out about Duffy is his commitment to his patients.

“Every time he walks in the door, he is making an effort to do the right thing and help people,” said Lilly. “His heart is in the right place.”

Duffy developed an ability to connect with people from a wide range of backgrounds during careers as an educator at Hebron Academy and as a wilderness emergency medicine instructor, she said.

Lilly said that when Duffy decided to become a nurse, it was a real challenge for him and his young family. Having access to the CMCC Nursing Program in Damariscotta at the LincolnHealth Education Center made the new career possible.

While Duffy came to nursing late, Lilly said he brought with him years of experience working with people and a lot of practical medical knowledge.

Duffy, who once studied for the ministry, also has a philosophy of service that comes through in his work. He looks on every patient and every clinical problem as an opportunity to learn and grow, Lilly said.

“He always looks at it as he is the one benefiting,” she said.