
Debra Maples said she was speechless when her colleagues presented the award to her.
By Maureen Gilmer, Riley Children’s Health senior writer, mgilmer1@iuhealth.org
Debra Maples’ nursing journey has taken her around the country, but she found a home at Riley Children’s Health 14 years ago.
She has worked in interventional radiology, pre- and post-operative care, the virtual hub during COVID and other assignments, always ready to adapt to a new challenge.
Most recently, she moved into the challenging Center of Hope pediatrics forensic program, which supports children who have been sexually abused.
It’s not an easy job, but it is rewarding, said Maples, who was surprised last month with a DAISY award for excellence and compassion in nursing.

“I was shocked,” the veteran nurse said. “I had no clue.”
Even during a team huddle when she saw colleagues bringing in DAISY-related party items, she never dreamed it was for her.
But when the attention turned to her, she said she was nearly speechless.
“I’ve been a nurse for a long time, and this is the first time I’ve received an honor like this.”
Nettie Wilson, who leads the forensic nursing team in Riley’s emergency department, nominated Maples for the award.
“Because of her vast experience, Deb is able to care for patients and families in a broader whole-person way,” Wilson said.
Maples was picking up extra hours in the pre/post-op area, and during a call, she encountered a distraught family member of a child who was coming in for a procedure who also was a recent victim of sexual assault.
The child had received care for the assault at an out-of-state facility and was not set up with after-care resources closer to home.
“A normal pre-op call usually takes 15 minutes,” Wilson said. “Deb stayed on the phone with the family member for 40-plus minutes, ensuring they had resources, follow-up, support and trust in the care they needed. Deb ensured they felt safe coming in for the child’s procedure.”

She went beyond that by ensuring the child and family felt comfortable with the surgeon performing the procedure, as well as the anesthesiologist and the rest of the care team, and she included resource information about Center of Hope in the patient’s discharge instructions.
“This all occurred because of Deb’s compassion and sense of purpose,” Wilson said. “Deb was meant to make that phone call to this family in need.”
Working with Center of Hope is a passion for Maples, who also worked for many years in children’s ministry.
The mother of three adult children passed some of her medical genes down to her kids. One is a pharmacist, another a nurse and another a teacher caring for a medically complex child. Maples also has four grandchildren.

In her free time, the Hammond, Indiana, native sings on her church’s praise team, sews and works in her yard. Not one to take it easy, she has set her sights on a new challenge – going back to school to earn her doctorate in nursing practice.
“There is so much to learn in the Center of Hope, so it’s been challenging,” she said. “But I pray that this is where I’m supposed to be.”
Nominate a nurse who exemplifies excellent clinical skills and compassionate care here.
Photos submitted and by Mike Dickbernd, IU Health visual journalist, mdickbernd@iuhealth.org