Holzer Honors Nurses Through The DAISY Award® Program

Rachael Smith, RN, Holzer Health System Maternity Serivces, and Carla Fields, RN, Holzer Health System Home Health, were each honored with The DAISY Award®. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s programs to recognize the above and beyond efforts nurses perform every day. Holzer implemented the DAISY program in July 2021.

DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, 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.

"When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand 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 Holzer are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award," said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, CEO and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation.

Nominations for the DAISY award can be submitted by patients, family members of patients, peers, and providers. The award honors LPNs and RNs across every division of care in the Holzer system, including: acute/hospital, post-acute/long-term care, and ambulatory/outpatient. Nomination forms can be found throughout all Holzer facilities and online at www.holzer.org/DAISY-award. The nominations are verified before being shared with the Holzer DAISY committee to evaluate and score the applicants each month. In nominating an individual, a specific example or scenario of the nurse going above and beyond for a patient is required on the nomination form.

"The DAISY Award program shines a light on all the right," shared Susan Rowe, RN, MSN, CENP, C-EFM, CLS, Vice President, Nursing Services, Holzer Health System. "Through this program, we are able to meaningfully recognize the extraordinary contributions of nurses, and their efforts to create and sustain healthy work environments."

Rachael began her Holzer career in March 2018 on the Maternity Services Inpatient Unit. She received her nursing education at Marshall University School of Nursing and currently resides in Cheshire, Ohio.

When asked about receiving the award, Rachael responded, "I am honored to be considered and receive this award. It’s hard to put into words what this recognition means to me. A nurse’s goal is to care for not only a patient’s medical needs, but also their emotional ones for them to have the most positive, holistic experience. As a labor and delivery nurse, that means encouraging and teaching new mothers every step of the way on their journey of bringing new life into the world. I’m just thankful for the verification that I am doing my job to the best of my ability and providing my patients the support they need and deserve. In saying that, I would note that I am thankful for the individuals that have mentored me and taught me how to be the nurse I am today."

Carla began her Holzer career in March 2019. Prior to Holzer, she worked a variety of jobs, but shared that being a home health nurse is her favorite. She received her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree from Buckeye Hills Career Center and her Registered Nurse (RN) degree from the University of Rio Grande in 2008. She has two sons and currently reside in Gallipolis Ferry, W.Va., with her husband. Her hobbies include attending church, traveling, and taking care of animals.

When asked about receiving the award, Carla responded, "When I was recognized for the award, I was shocked. It was a surprise and very humbling. Receiving this award makes the interaction I have with my patients and co-workers that much more worth it. The special stone that is given along with this recognition is from Zimbabwe, which brought it full circle since I have visited there while on a medical trip."

To learn more about this program how The DAISY Award recognizes extraordinary nurses, please visit DAISYFoundation.org. To nominate an extraordinary Holzer nurse, please visit www.holzer.org/DAISY-award or fill out a paper form at one of our locations.