Registered Nurse Jennifer Morris was named the first DAISY Award Recipient for McLeod Regional Medical Center on December 21, 2017. Jennifer, a nurse on the Labor & Delivery Unit, was nominated by patient, Brandi Rogers.     

To recognize those Nurses at McLeod Regional Medical Center who are true examples of Nursing Excellence, patients, family members and co-workers may nominate nurses for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

During her fourth month of pregnancy, Brandi received the news that her baby had a confirmed diagnosis of anencephaly, a serious, fatal birth defect.  She and her husband knew that carrying their daughter Emersyn to full term was the right choice for their family.  One of their wishes was that the staff be apprised of their situation before the day of delivery.  Jennifer volunteered to be there for the birth of Emersyn.

“I have no doubt Jennifer was called to be a nurse,” said Brandi. “Almost every keepsake I have of Emmy’s is because of Jennifer.  From a lock of hair to copies of her footprints is all thanks to Jennifer. And, when I didn’t have the strength to give Emmy her first bath, Jennifer stepped in to help. 

“I will be forever grateful for the care we received. I am thankful Jennifer was there for Emmy’s first and last breath. Jennifer is the kind of person and nurse unlike any other. She is passionate about what she does. There is no one I believe more deserving to be the first recipient of the DAISY Award then Jennifer. She is the true definition of an incredible nurse,” added Brandi.

“Jennifer is so worthy of this award,” said Tony Derrick, Vice President of Nursing and Chief Nursing Officer for McLeod Regional Medical Center. “On behalf of McLeod, we thank her for the extraordinary work she does every day.”   

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, California, and 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 (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease.  The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique way of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Nurses may be nominated for their strong clinical skills and the compassionate care they provide. Nomination forms are available on each nursing unit at McLeod Regional Medical Center or can be found at www.McLeodNursing.org. 

Recipients of the DAISY Award are chosen by the DAISY committee led by nurses at McLeod Regional Medical Center. Awards are given throughout the year at presentations in front of the nurse’s colleagues, physicians, patients, and visitors.  Each honoree receives a certificate commending her or him for being an “Extraordinary Nurse.”  The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.”  The honoree is also given a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.