Special to the Times Vedette
Nurses and Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) at Guthrie County Hospital were honored on May 9 at a special ceremony at the hospital.
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the efforts nurses perform 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 means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
Nurses may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. The DAISY Award recipient is selected by a panel of community members. Each nominee receives a daisy pin and bouquet of daisies. The DAISY 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 be given a sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.
“When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced firsthand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Guthrie County Hospital are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award,” commented Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, President, and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation.
The 2024 Daisy Award was presented at the Daisy Award Ceremony to Dale Peterson, RN.
The Sunshine Award for Remarkable PCTs
PCTs are honored with The Sunshine Award for Remarkable PCTs, which is exclusive to Guthrie County Hospital. The Sunshine Award was established from a desire by the nurses to recognize the PCT staff. Considering how DAISIES require sunshine to flourish and thrive, so is the case for the nurses. Without the PCT team, the daily job of patient care would not be a reality.
PCTs may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. The Sunshine Award recipient was selected by a panel of community members. Each nominee received a sunshine pin and bouquet of sunflowers. Sunshine Award honorees received a personalized certificate, a Sunshine Award pin, and a hand-made wooden sunshine plaque. Each plaque is hand-made and intricately woven locally. The woven part of the plaque symbolizes the inextricable link between the PCT and RN staff. Each one is an integral member of the team. When woven together just right, the sunshine (PCTs) can perfectly support the DAISIES (RNs). Together, they create an environment in which our patients can flourish and thrive.
“Our annual DAISY and Sunshine Award programs provide an opportunity to recognize our team and the high-quality care they provide. Nurses and PCTs are blessed every day with the opportunity to care for our patients and community. The Daisy and Sunshine Awards are an excellent way for patients and families to share in the acknowledgement of the care our nurses and PCTs provide,” stated Sandy Atkinson, Chief Nursing Officer.
The 2024 Sunshine Award was presented at the Sunshine Award Ceremony to LaRoyce Kress, PCT.
Nomination forms for 2025 are available at Guthrie County Hospital, GCH Clinics, GCH Healthy Living Center and at www.guthriecountyhospital.org. For a complete listing of healthcare organizations currently running the program, visit http://DAISYfoundation.org
The 2024 Daisy Award was presented at the Daisy Award Ceremony to Dale Peterson, RN. Pictured left to right: Sandy Atkinson, Chief Nursing Officer and Dale Peterson, RN
The 2024 Sunshine Award was presented at the Sunshine Award Ceremony to LaRoyce Kress, PCT. Pictured left to right: LaRoyce Kress, PCT, and Sandy Atkinson, Chief Nursing Officer
Sunshine Award Nominees (Left to Right): Sandy Atkinson, Chief Nursing Officer, Mindi Brittain, LaRoyce Kress and Cris Schachtner