Plattsburgh, NY – A hospital stay can be frightening. Patients are often in pain, worried about what comes next and far from the comfort of home.

For many patients on R6 at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, Christina Rumyantseva, RN, helps ease those fears.

Colleagues say that with a calm presence and a listening ear, Rumyantseva has earned a reputation for making patients feel safe, supported and understood during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Whether she is helping a patient navigate a new diagnosis, answering questions late in a shift or simply sitting at the bedside to listen, she approaches every interaction with the same goal: treating people with dignity and compassion.

"Among the many dedicated nurses on our unit, Christina stands out as someone who truly embodies the spirit and purpose of nursing," says Erica Brooks, RN, nurse manager of R6. "Patients, families and staff repeatedly mention her when they talk about care that goes above and beyond."

For more than nine years, Rumyantseva has cared for patients on the medical-surgical unit. Colleagues know her as someone who arrives early, prepares thoroughly and never stops looking for ways to improve a patient's experience.

Brooks says consistency is one of the qualities that defines Rumyantseva's approach to nursing.

"Her peers often describe her as someone who is always working," Brooks said. "That isn't because she stays busy. It's because she feels deeply responsible for every patient entrusted to her care."

One patient, who has spent years receiving medical care for chronic health issues, offered praise that left a lasting impression.

"Christina Rumyantseva was the best nurse I've ever had – truly," the patient wrote in a survey she was sent following her care. "I've been going to hospitals due to my health problems since I was 12, seeing doctors nearly weekly. Words cannot describe how much she helped me emotionally the first few days."

For Brooks, feedback like that is not unusual.

"Her patients feel seen and valued," Brooks says. "She forms genuine connections during moments of fear, pain and uncertainty. She doesn't just care for their medical needs. She cares for the person."

She adds that Rumyantseva serves as a steady presence for her colleagues, leading by example, supporting teamwork and willingly sharing her knowledge with others.

Honoring an Extraordinary Nurse

Because of her extraordinary commitment to patients and the nursing profession, Rumyantseva was recently recognized with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. She received the honor during a surprise ceremony attended by colleagues and hospital leaders. During the award presentation, Rumyantseva received a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse. Like all honorees, she also received a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-cared by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.

Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital launched the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in 2018 to recognize and reward licensed nurses for making a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients. Nomination forms and boxes are located at each of the hospital’s main entrances and online at UVMHealth.org. Nurses may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. A committee reviews nominations and awards a deserving nurse each quarter. 

The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day. The DAISY Foundation is a national not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System). The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. More information is available at DAISYfoundation.org.

University of Vermont Health – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital
75 Beekman Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901

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About Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital is a 300-bed level III trauma center trusted by 87,000 people across New York’s North Country. Our staff are committed to delivering care with skill, compassion and respect — supporting patients, families and the communities we call home. As part of a rural academic health system, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital combines high-quality, community-based care with medical innovation and research to bring advanced treatment as close to home as possible. Together, we’re addressing health care’s toughest challenges while working alongside partners and neighbors to improve access, affordability and outcomes for our region.

About University of Vermont Health Network

University of Vermont Health Network is a rural academic health system with more than 100 years of service to small towns and cities across Vermont and northern New York. We are deeply committed to reimagining rural health in ways that will benefit our communities for generations to come and keep exceptional care close to home. Our system includes an academic medical center, two community hospitals, three critical access hospitals, a children’s hospital, a cancer center, a multispecialty medical group, 154 outpatient sites and care beyond the hospital through home health, hospice care, four skilled nursing facilities and other support services. Our care is informed by an essential partnership with University of Vermont’s The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine and College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Together, as a health system serving a rural area, we are tackling health care’s biggest challenges — supporting the communities we serve and investing in our employees by addressing housing affordability, quality childcare and professional development needs. To learn more, visit us at www.uvmhealth.org.