Fifteen nurses and seven support staff members at Greene County Medical Center were honored Thursday, May 9, at the annual Partner of Nursing and Daisy Awards ceremonies.
Family members, friends and colleagues gathered in the main lobby of the medical center during National Nurses Week to recognize the dedication, compassion, and commitment to patient-centered care that each one of these individuals exemplifies.
“Every year we hear stories from those whose lives have been impacted by our nurses. These people take the time to put down into words in a DAISY Award nomination the extraordinary efforts our nurses make every day here at the medical center,” said CEO Chad Butterfield. “In turn, we also hear from our nursing staff about the exceptional support they receive from our non-nursing team members as they make nominations for the Partner of Nursing Award. These never fail to make a lasting impression on all of us, and it is fitting the ceremonies are held during this special week as we recognize how all of these individuals come together in exemplifying Greene County Medical Center’s mission, vision and values.”
The ceremony opened with the Partner of Nursing Awards, which was created in 2020 by nursing leadership. It celebrates and honors those who collaborate with them in the goal of creating the highest quality patient-centered care and the best possible outcomes for patients and their families.
Director of nursing Jess Steinberg and nursing leaders introduced nominees for the Partner of Nursing Award. These included (pictured, from left): Shelby Ackerman, a central sterile processing technician in Surgery; Deonne Robey, a physical therapy assistant at 21st Century Rehab, Loren Goeser, pharmacist; Brittany Day, Acute and ED patient care technician; Amy Sessions, director of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation; Tammy Andre, Acute and ED patient care technicians; and not pictured, Jolene Wiley, radiology technician in Imaging.
“It takes an entire team to ensure the most effective and efficient patient-centered care,” said Steinberg. “It is only through our partnerships that those goals can be achieved and exceeded. Thank you for all you do, and for being the best possible partners to Greene County Medical Center nurses.”
Steinberg then introduced the 2024 Partner of Nursing award winner, Lauren Goeser, by reading from her nomination letter. “Lauren is always willing to provide education to nursing and patients on medications. She assists providers, reviews lab results, provides recommendations and gives detailed instructions to nursing about patients coming after hours for medications. I would not be able to do my job without Lauren.”
The DAISY Award program followed, with 15 nurses nominated for their outstanding efforts in caring for patients and their families. Becky Wolf, director of Greene County Public Health provided an inspirational message before chief nursing officer Amanda Lass and other members of the Greene County Medical Center executive team introduced the 2024 DAISY nominees. Excerpts from nominations were read for Erin Ackerson, Stacey Biggart, Barb Broich, Lauren Carlson, Shelby Cooklin, Kelli Farley, Dylan Feldmann, Gina Geisler, Sarah Hoffman, Tammy Kiner, Jordan Kral, Teresa Morlan, Sydney Schiltz, Cassie Shriver and Chelsie Thompson.
The super-human efforts of these Greene County Medical Center nurses highlighted as nominators wrote about how they and their loved ones were cared for during the most difficult of times. From dealing with death, drug and alcohol dependency to traumas and illnesses, the nurses all did this with grace while preserving dignity and providing comfort for patients and their families.
The crowd was moved as Lass read from the winning nomination for Sydney Schiltz. “I came to the hospital seeking help for my mental health and alcohol abuse issues. Sydney treated me in a caring and kind manner, without judgment.” Another nominator shared how Sydney helped during their father’s last days. “She was not only skilled, but professional, caring and compassionate. Sydney has a heart filled with empathy. She treated us all like family, which helped us understand what was happening and she created a positive atmosphere in a time of turmoil and grief.”
All nominees were presented with flowers and certificates of recognition along with a pin for DAISY nominees. In addition, Goeser and Schiltz received specially designed statuettes and Schiltz will be listed in the International DAISY registry.
Persons who want more information about nominating a nurse for the DAISY Award can log on to gcmchealth.com and search DAISY.
