Carolyn Torango Receives UNC Health Rockingham Daisy Award: 

A Registered Nurse with Nearly Four Decades on the Same Unit Gives Her All to Patients and Colleagues

EDEN, N.C., May. 14, 2024 — Carolyn Torango, RN, was honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses during UNC Health Rockingham’s Hospital Week celebration. Hospital nursing leadership along with senior administrators gathered on the unit to celebrate Torango with her fellow night-shift nursing and hospitalist teammates.

A DAISY nomination for Torango came from a patient whose first visit to a hospital was for a major surgery. The patient shared that as their nurse, Torango was ‘exceptional’ with her willingness to answer questions and provide comfort during this time of uncertainty. The patient concluded that their time at the hospital was great thanks to the care received from Torango and the team at UNC Health Rockingham.

Torango has been a registered nurse at the hospital for thirty-eight years, serving for the duration as part of the med-surg team. She dedicated her life to becoming a nurse because she loves helping people. She has no plans leave the field any time soon as serving her community is her passion.

Additionally, Torango’s outstanding nursing was recognized by long-time colleague, Natik Panwala, PA, a hospitalist at UNC Health Rockingham.

“Mrs. Torango exemplifies the epitome of excellence in nursing. Her unwavering commitment to her patients and the nursing profession is truly commendable,” said Panwala. “She embodies the spirit of teamwork, embracing the core qualities of our UNC Health One Great Team philosophy. Her collaborative nature and willingness to support her fellow nurses make her an invaluable asset to our team. She is a beacon of professionalism, compassion, and expertise in our healthcare community.”

When asked about receiving the award, Torango said “Receiving the DAISY award makes me feel wonderful. I am so happy and grateful to be recognized not only by a patient, but also by a co-worker for what I do every day for my patients.”

The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died from complications of the autoimmune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) at the age of thirty-three. His family wanted a meaningful way to recognize and honor nurses who, like those caring for Patrick and his family, provide excellent clinical care while showing great compassion for their patients. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem.

To nominate a nurse for The DAISY Award^® at UNC Health Rockingham, visit www.uncrockingham.org/thank-a-caregiver.

Photo Caption: 1) Carolyn Torango, RN, was recently honored with The DAISY Award^® for Extraordinary Nurses for her dedicated work at UNC Health Rockingham. 2) DAISY Award® Recipient, Carolyn Torango, RN (center), was celebrated by her teammates and hospital leadership at a ceremony held at UNC Health Rockingham in Eden during Hospital Week 2024.

UNC Health Rockingham is a nonprofit, 108-bed community hospital preserving excellent, compassionate and trusted care where it is needed most: close to home. As a cornerstone in Eden, N.C., and a major employer, UNC Health Rockingham serves people throughout Rockingham County and in neighboring Southern Virginia areas. In addition to inpatient, outpatient, surgical and emergency care, the hospital offers diagnostic and treatment services, provide screenings and tests and lead wellness initiatives. More information about UNC Health Rockingham may be found at uncrockingham.org.