Mercy South Announces Daffodil Award Winners

The Daffodil Award is a program at Mercy Hospital South to honor and celebrate co-workers who provide outstanding, compassionate care in support of the nursing team. Each month, Mercy Hospital South nursing leaders choose an award winner from nominations submitted by patients, visitors and co-workers.

Chase Abeln, safety sitter with the float pool, has earned the latest Daffodil Award for the outstanding, compassionate care he provides in support of our nurses at Mercy Hospital South.

A co-worker nominated Abeln by writing: “I serve as technical support for the vSitter camera units that are in place at Mercy South, and I’ve spent many hours the last several months testing and monitoring the cameras. During this time, my heart was warmed by the amazing care that Chase gave the patients that he was sitting for. He really stands out as a co-worker who embraces the spirit of Catherine and the mission of the Mercy ministry. He was able to calm confused, non-compliant patients by showing respect, concern and warmth. I witnessed him initiating a conversation with a former armed services member, and he thanked him for his service to our country. This showed the utmost respect and changed the demeanor of the patient. His dedication to patient care and genuine concern for people is admirable.”

Jarek Frein, Patient Care Associate, 8 West/Neuro, has earned the latest Daffodil Award for outstanding, compassionate care in support of our nurses at Mercy Hospital South.

Frein’s co-workers nominated him. Here’s what they have to say about Frein:

“Jarek comes to every shift ready to help and be part of the team. The focus for him is how to make his patients stay even a little more enjoyable. He takes time to bond with them and make happy memories in of all places the hospital. Many times, family members tell us they are going to steal Jarek and bring him home. Jarek’s calm demeanor is a grounding energy for our fellow co-workers and patients. Jarek continues Mercy’s mission with compassionate service for everyone he meets. Jarek brings his joy not only to the patients of 8 West but also to his co-workers. He is always professional and keeps it light. He is extremely deserving of this award as he is an asset not only to our 8th floor family but to our great hospital as well.”

Megan Schott, safety sitter, float pool, has earned the latest Daffodil Award for outstanding, compassionate in support of our nurses at Mercy Hospital South.

A patient nominated Megan, calling her a great safety sitter who went above and beyond. Megan knows American Sign Language and was able to understand and communicate with the hard of hearing patient. The patient wrote: “Please tell Megan thank you for making me feel human while she ensured my safety was taken care of.”

John Christiansen, patient care associate, has earned the Daffodil Award at Mercy Hospital South for the outstanding, compassionate care he provides in support of the nursing team.

A co-worker nominated Christiansen by writing: “John always has a positive attitude and goes above and beyond for his patients and co-workers. An example of his pure heart and respect and dignity for patients is when a patient recently passed away. John cleaned the patient up and placed clean linens and a flower in the patient’s hands. This gave the family a peaceful viewing of their loved one. This is something that cannot be taught and shows his amazing character.”