Mercy Jefferson Announces DAISY Award Winners

Congratulations to Jennifer Short, RN, for earning the quarterly DAISY Award at Mercy Hospital Jefferson for the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care she provides in the emergency department.

A patient nominated Jennifer by writing: “I suffer from medical phobias stemming as far back as childhood. No one has ever calmed me down, took the time to not only listen but respond in a way that left me feeling heard and seen, or made me feel anything more than an overweight patient with anxiety. I came in and was terrified to take a medication I needed. Not only did she help me take it, she taught me to breathe and sat with me until I felt comfortable. I will never forget. Thank you for everything!”

Congratulations to Jordan Townsend, RN, for earning the quarterly DAISY Award at Mercy Hospital Jefferson for the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care she provides in the emergency department.

A co-worker nominated Jordan by writing in part: “Jordan showed compassion for a vulnerable patient who was experiencing a significant crisis, and she came in on her day off to help. Jordan demonstrated great teamwork and went above and beyond for a patient in need.”

Congratulations to Rachel Downs, RN, for earning the quarterly DAISY Award at Mercy Hospital Jefferson for the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care she provides as a house supervisor.

A fellow nurse nominated Rachel by writing: “Rachel always goes above and beyond in her supervisory role. On this particular day, a patient, who is 70+ years old, left the hospital against medical advice. After being informed, Rachel called the local cab company, police department and gas station attempting to find the patient. He was walking in below freezing temperatures. She eventually discovered he hitched a ride to (another town) where he lives. She called police where he lives to do a wellness check just to ensure he was safely home.”

Congratulations to Anna Arnold, RN, for earning the quarterly DAISY Award at Mercy Hospital Jefferson for the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care she provides with the transitional care unit.

A patient’s daughter nominated Anna by writing: “In a world where burnout is at its all-time high in health care and the pandemic has depleted our nurses and driven the lack of compassion and quality out or down, I can tell you personally this is not the case with Anna. She cared for my mom and our family as if we were her family. My mom’s medical journey this past week has been taxing and very emotional. Watching Anna shine her bright light and empathy on my mom was inspiring and continues to be inspiring. From the bottom of my heart, thank you sincerely, Anna, for loving my mom and your ability to recognize the humility and grace in what you do daily!”

Congratulations to Garrett Sellars, RN, for earning the quarterly DAISY Award at Mercy Hospital Jefferson for the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care he provides with the intensive care unit.

A patient’s daughter-in-law nominated Sellars by writing: “He was so gentle when he bathed her. He gently massaged her hair and made everyone feel like her care was so good. He was so wonderful with the whole family, and they were grateful for him. The way he took care of her and even said he would take care of her like she was his own family member. He explained things better than any other nurse or provider. He stayed hopeful the whole time. The whole family could see how busy he was but that he took all the time they needed. He went above and beyond anything a nurse would every have to do. When he came personally to offer his condolences at the funeral, the whole family knew he was just a very special nurse and human.”

Congratulations to Eric Bertram, RN, for earning the quarterly DAISY Award at Mercy Hospital Jefferson for the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care he provides with the dialysis unit.

A co-worker nominated Betram by writing: “No matter how hard the floor is, every time I see Eric, he makes the floor so easy to work on. I have seen how he is very compassionate and dedicated to his profession, and he always helps me with all my patients. I never have to ask him for help, he is always there for not only me, but for all the nurses here on PCU. Whenever we are short staffed, Eric would always volunteer to stay just so he can hp the nurses on this unit.”

Amy Horrell, RN, earned the quarterly DAISY Award at Mercy Hospital Jefferson for the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care she provides in Labor and Delivery.

A co-worker nominated Horrell by writing: “Amy took care of a mother who delivered within 15 minutes of arrival. The mother had special needs herself (cerebral palsy) and was delivering a 32-week baby. Amy was so sweet and caring with this patient. She sat in the room after the delivery to help explain the care and transfer of the mother’s infant. She made sure to clearly explain the consents and birth certificate information. She helped the patient get a nice shower and even got her pediatric pajamas to fit her appropriately. Amy went above and beyond for this patient and showed truly compassionate care.”

Dustin Sellars, LPN, earned the quarterly DAISY Award at Mercy Hospital Jefferson for the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care he provides in the progressive care unit (PCU).

A patient nominated Sellars by writing: “My son was admitted in a very serious and critical condition. Dustin has given my son the very best of care; you guys saved my son’s life. Dustin cleaned him up and has kept him comfortable. He is staying on top of everything. My son is in a vegetative condition and cannot speak. Dustin is truly like an angel sent from above. He is very compassionate and very professional. He has answered all my questions and has kept me updated. I, as well as my son, are so thankful to have him. He has put me at ease during this very difficult time.”

Tammy Fallert, RN, earned the quarterly DAISY Award at Mercy Hospital Jefferson for the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care she provides in home health and hospice.

A co-worker nominated Fallert by writing: “Tammy always shows great compassion and care for her patients. This was shown recently when a special needs patient was nearing death with a progressive illness. In spite of a very negative dynamic within the patient’s family, Tammy was able to focus on the needs of the patient to give that patient the care and dignity she deserved. I have no doubt that Tammy's care for this patient provided this patient more comfort as she approached death. Tammy stayed hours past the end of her shift for this patient.”

Stacy Bickell, RN, earned the quarterly DAISY Award at Mercy Hospital Jefferson for the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care she provides in the Ambulatory Treatment Center (ATC).

A co-worker nominated Bickell for recognizing a patient who had just been transferred to ATC needed immediate care. Bickell called for a rapid electrocardiogram (EKG) which determined the patient was experiencing a STEMI (a very serious type of heart attack). Her quick action was the first step to the Mercy Jefferson team saving this patient’s life.

Katie Crump earned a DAISY Award for the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care she provides in the Mercy Jefferson intensive care unit (ICU).

A co-worker nominated Katie by writing: "Katie was caring for a young gentleman in the ICU who had a readmission for stent occlusion following treatment for a STEMI (a very serious type of heart attack) because he couldn't remember to take his medications. The patient stated he did not have a way to remind himself, so Katie bought him a watch and set the alarms to remind the patient to take his medications. Our patients are lucky to have such a caring nurse like Katie!"

Kaniz Abbas, BSN, RN, earned a DAISY Award for the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care she provides in the medical/pulmonary unit at Mercy Hospital Jefferson.

A patient nominated Kaniz by writing: "Kaniz not only attended to my physical health but she touched my life in a way that is going to have a positive effect on my life, as well as my children. Kaniz took the time to be an excellent nurse as well as a good listener. She gave me hope and fight I didn't know I had anymore. I truly believe because of her care and her commitment to what she does, she saves lives. I am an addict that once saw myself as a victim, but thanks to Kaniz, I know that I am a survivor. For the first time, I feel that I can stay calm, use my head and life to help others the way she has helped me."