In late 2023, Blanchard Valley Health System announced a new partnership with the DAISY Foundation, an international recognition program honoring nurses who have made a special difference in their patients’ lives. Upon implementing this program, BVHS nursing leadership hoped that the community would take this opportunity to recognize nurses who had impacted their lives. Community members did so on an even greater scale than they initially hoped.
The DAISY Award was created to honor the late Patrick Barnes, who was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia) at age 33 in 1999. Pat’s family was moved by the incredible kindness and compassion his nurses demonstrated throughout the eight weeks he was hospitalized. After his death, they created the award to honor him.
Throughout 2024, the BVHS DAISY committee reviewed an average of more than 25 monthly nominations. Anyone may nominate nurses, including patients, family members, or coworkers.
“It has been so meaningful to see how much our nurses mean to their patients,” said Erin Hastings, RN, chair of the Nursing Congress. “It’s not just that BVHS nurses demonstrate their skills in nursing. They also care deeply and connect with their patients as people. It’s these connections that we see recognized in DAISY nominations.”
“Our monthly awards ceremony is a surprise each time to the nurse who wins, and almost every time, there are tears,” Hastings said. “You can see the excitement as soon as we show up at the nurses’ station, and the other nurses quickly congratulate the winner.”
Hastings noted that winners include diverse groups from throughout the health system. For example, the January 2024 winner was Megan Smith, RN, at The Armes Family Cancer Care Center. After her nominator was diagnosed with stage four cancer and thrown into a world of uncertainty and unfamiliarity, Smith helped guide them through treatment and appointments, asking questions, advocating for them, and being a true support system.
The April 2024 winner was Jennifer Loera, RN, who oversees the Maternal Opiate Medical Support (MOMS) program at BVHS, which is designed to help mothers who struggle with opioid dependence and aims to engage women in obstetric care.
The patient, nominating her, stated, “I would be lost without Jen in my life. I can't even put into words how much she has impacted my life for the better. And she has made sure to give each one of our moms 100% of her love and care.”
The October 2024 DAISY Award team honorees included Holly Goodwin, RN, Erica Wallen, RN, Megan Clouse, RN, Lisa Gerwin, RN, Shauna Pessel, RN, Karrie Savage, RN, Maggie Schroeder, RN, Jodi Morman, RN, and Jadin Callaway, RN, in the Special Care Nursery at Blanchard Valley Hospital.
They were caring for a baby girl born at BVH who was being adopted by a couple from further away. These nurses served as advocates, assisting with communication between the couple and the birth mother, educating the brand-new parents, and answering every question with patience and expertise.
“These nominations confirm what we have always known: compassionate, dedicated nurses work throughout this organization, and they pour their heart into their work,” Hastings said. “Each nomination tells how this nurse (or team) has made a real difference in their patient’s life. It can be challenging to select a winner at these meetings since there are so many compelling stories.”
The DAISY Foundation also honors each nurse who receives 10 nominations with a special pin consisting of a bunch of daisies. Jamie Robinette, RN, in the medical/surgical department at Bluffton Hospital, recently became the first BVHS nurse to earn this recognition.
Robinette was named the November 2024 DAISY winner after she went above and beyond to help a mother and daughter duo with their surgery needs by being caring, personable, and reassuring. Her nominator stated, “She cares and listens to your needs.”
Other winners from throughout 2024 came from throughout the health system.
Deloris Webster, RN, a registered nurse in the cardiac care unit (CCU) at Blanchard Valley Hospital (BVH), was the February winner. She was nominated after encouraging a patient who was ready to give up. She took her time listening to his concerns and fears. This interaction so touched the family, and it truly made a difference in their journey.
Chloe Parker, RN, a registered nurse in the Labor and Delivery Unit at BVH, was the March honoree. She was nominated after meeting a new set of parents who were struggling with the stress and exhaustion of a long labor and delivery of their baby boy.
The May 2024 DAISY Award recipient was Tracy Spoors, RN, who works on the sixth floor of BVH. Tracy was nominated by the wife of a patient who had two strokes in his sleep and was diagnosed with a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO). Spoors provided the couple with detailed explanations and compassionate care.
Heather Ardner, RN, who works in the coronary care unit at BVH, was named the June DAISY Award recipient. She was nominated by the grandchild of a patient who was in the CCU for four days, dealing with respiratory distress while in Ardner’s care. The nominator said Ardner could explain everything going on to their grandfather and other family members.
Andrea Boehm, RN, who works in the maternity unit at BVH, was the July DAISY Award recipient. She was nominated by a first-time mom who delivered her baby much earlier than expected via a cesarian section. The patient said Boehm was with her through the entire process, from helping explain what the C-section would entail to being right by her side during the delivery, checking in afterward, and assisting with an issue with the baby latching.
In August 2024 a whole team was honored with the DAISY Award. The winners were Birchaven Village nurses Michelle Podach, RN/ADON, Diane Hernandez, LPN, Teresa Stine, LPN, Abby Smith, RN, and Laura Eden, RN. They were nominated because they genuinely showed their patient and his family that Birchaven Village care isn’t just medical and that emotional support, kindness, and laughter are as important in healing.
The September honoree was Annette Elliott, RN, medical oncology. A past patient nominated Elliott for her daily smiles, dedicated encouragement, and playing a huge role in the patient’s recovery, including making sure the patient was listened to and felt safe.
Betty Johnson, RN, in the orthopedic/neurology unit at Blanchard Valley Hospital, was named the December DAISY Award honoree. From intensive care to hospice care, Johnson stood by her patient and his family, offering honest updates, explanations, comfort, and even laughter.
Hastings herself took the role of Nursing Congress chair not long after the DAISY program began at BVHS. She said it has been meaningful seeing enthusiasm for the program grow.
“It’s very rewarding to me to get to speak so highly of nurses in a public setting like this,” she said. “It’s a chance to remind them that what they do matters, day in and day out.”
Community members are encouraged to nominate a BVHS nurse for their extraordinary efforts. Any nurse at any BVHS facility or location is eligible. For more information, or to nominate a nurse, please visit bvhealthsystem.org/DAISYAward.