MCDONALD ARMY HEALTH CENTER, Va. –
Joann Bright Barnes, MAHC nurse, was recently honored with the DAISY award for the first quarter of 2012.
The DAISY award is presented quarterly to an outstanding nurse nominated by his/her peers, co-workers and family members for being a team player, and displaying the following qualities/characteristics: professionalism, positive attitude, good assessment and decision-making skills, effective communication, and compassion.
The DAISY award was established in 2000 by family members of Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. In an effort to honor Barnes and turn their grief into something positive, the Barnes family came up with the acronym DAISY -- Diseases Attacking the Immune System.
As they contemplated over what the DAISY foundation would do, they reflected on the amazing care that Barnes and his family received from the nurses during the eight weeks he was ill. The Barnes family believes nurses are unsung heroes who deserve far more recognition and honor than they receive. Creating this award was their way of honoring extraordinary nurses.
All DAISY nominees are recognized during the award presentation, and the recipient receives a certificate signed by the Deputy Commander of Nursing and Mark Barnes of the DAISY foundation; a DAISY award pin; a hand-carved Shona sculpture entitled, "A Healer's Touch;" a jar of cinnamon in remembrance of Barnes' love of cinnamon rolls; and a tote bag. A celebratory banner is also hung in the recipient's unit.
Along with Bright Barnes, this quarter's nominees included Rose Lilly, Gary Jones, Louella Salangsang, Kenise Hardy, Nicole Garfman, Veronica Batson, Tiffany Sigler, Keyatta Manuel, Kimberly Clanton, Mildred Newton, Valerie Hicks, Evelyn Pearson-Stewart and Mary Giguere.