West Jeff Presents Its DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses

West Jefferson Medical Center presented the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses to Registered Nurse Ann Stewart. The DAISY Award, presented in collaboration with UnitedHealthcare, is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the compassion and extraordinary efforts nurses demonstrate for patients everyday.

Ann Stewart, a graduate of Nicholls State University, has been with West Jefferson since January 2009 and works as an RN for Inpatient Oncology. She was recognized for her efforts for going above and beyond the call of duty everyday.

"As Chief Nursing Officer, I am very proud to congratulate Ann Stewart on behalf of the entire nursing family at West Jefferson and our colleagues across the Medical Center," said Adonna Lowe following the announcement of February’s DAISY Award. "We're proud of Ann Stewart’s achievements and the care she gives to our patients. Ann inspires us everyday. We are delighted to see her honored in this way."

Each month, a nurse at West Jefferson is selected by the nursing administration and the WJMC DAISY Committee to receive The DAISY Award. At a presentation given in front of the nurse's colleagues, patients, and visitors, the honoree receives a certificate commending her or him for being an "Extraordinary Nurse." A special part of the DAISY ceremony and award is the sculpture: “A Healer's Touch”, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, a little known yet not uncommon auto-immune disease. The nursing care that Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill was the catalyst for this very special program to thank and recognize nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients, loved ones and community.

Cinnabon®, which was a favorite treat of Patrick Barnes, helps carry on his memory. The company provides the treat at the award’s ceremony by recognizing the nurse honorees' colleagues and team on his or her personal nursing unit. It helps extend a unique thanks for all that they do for their patients and families every day of the year.

West Jefferson Medical Center is among more than 150 hospitals in the nation committed to The DAISY Award program and honoring its nurses in this special way.