Jennifer Johnson, RN, a McLeod Children’s Hospital Patient Care Supervisor, was recently named the November DAISY Award Recipient for McLeod Regional Medical Center. Johnson was nominated by a patient’s mother for her extraordinary care and compassion.

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.

The patient’s mother wrote, “Mrs. Jennifer has been caring for my daughter since 2003 when she became sick with an infection that led to encephalitis and seizures. There have been numerous visits in and out of the hospital. You can imagine how difficult this can be for a child, especially with my daughter requiring total care.

“Jennifer has always been there, a shining light in the middle of this for us. She talks to my daughter like a person, not a disability. She always brings such joy and happiness when she comes in contact with my daughter. I’ve also observed this with every patient I see of hers. You can tell that she loves her patients, and she loves what she does.

“She treats my daughter with dignity and respect and is always so patient, gentle and caring. She is so passionate. Jennifer has had such an impact on our lives. I can’t put it all into words. She has and will always have a special place in our hearts.”

About the DAISY Nursing Award
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.