NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. – Aug. 7, 2024 – The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. Wilkes Medical Center recognizes one of its nurses with this special honor every quarter. Each honoree receives a banner, certificate, DAISY Award pin and a hand carved “A Healer’s Touch” stone sculpture.
McDaniel was nominated by a patient who said all the staff were wonderful, including Jena. As they described, McDaniel went above and beyond in helping understand discharge paperwork and instructions as well as explained what she was doing and even insisted on helping me when she was busy. The patient said they were thankful for everyone’s help.
When asked why she wanted to become a nurse, McDaniel said, “I pursed a career in healthcare after helping take care of my father during his terminal illness. My family and friends advocated for me to pursue this path because they saw my compassion in caring for him. My biggest joy in being a nurse is when I am able to help make a difference in a patient's life.”
“Jena is a strong patient and staff advocate,” said Brandy Edmiston, McDaniel’s manager. “She always goes above and beyond to provide excellent care for our patients. She is a great example of displaying our culture commitments. This is a wonderful, well-deserved honor.”
The next DAISY Award winner will be announced in October 2024.
Previous DAISY Winners
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center named nurse Kendal Stuart as the hospital’s latest DAISY Award winner on April 15, 2024.
The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. Wilkes Medical Center recognizes one of its nurses with this special honor every quarter. Each honoree receives a banner, certificate, DAISY Award pin and a hand carved “A Healer’s Touch” stone sculpture.
When asked why she wanted to become a nurse, Stuart said, “I can't put into words what it means to me to be a Daisy Award winner. Moments like this make it all worthwhile. If you would've asked me five years ago if I could see myself being a nurse, the answer would have been no. I was in school to be an elementary school teacher, but I just felt like there was something missing. So, I began praying for a clearer path and for God to lead me to the career he had chosen for me and that led me here. I am so thankful for each and every one of my patients and I hope to continue to make an impact for years to come.”
“Kendal is a such a caring and compassionate nurse,” said Brandy Edmiston, Stuart’s manager. “She is a wonderful listener and great patient advocate. This along with her calming demeanor is just a few of the reasons her patients adore her, and her teammates love to work with her. She is a true asset to our team.”
The next DAISY Award winner will be announced in July 2024.
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center named nurse Kinley Adams as the hospital’s latest DAISY Award winner on Jan. 23, 2024.
The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. Wilkes Medical Center recognizes one of its nurses with this special honor every quarter. Each honoree receives a banner, certificate, DAISY Award pin and a hand carved “A Healer’s Touch” stone sculpture.
When asked why she wanted to become a nurse, Adams said, “when my little sister was in the NICU, I had a realization that I wanted to be in healthcare. There was a nurse who gave me a stethoscope and taught me how to listen to her. Since then, I knew what I wanted to do with my life. I thoroughly enjoy my job now as an ICU nurse because I feel like I can provide comfort during some of life's most difficult moments for patients and their families. Providing this support along with medical treatment is one of the many reasons the Wilkes ICU team is so special.”
“Kinley is a highly skilled nurse and phenomenal patient advocate,” said Brandy Edmiston, Adam’s manager. “She is always willing to go the extra mile for her patients to ensure quality compassionate care. She is an asset to our ICU team and patients.”
The next DAISY Award winner will be announced in April 2024.
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center named nurse Marlise Greene as the hospital’s latest DAISY Award winner on October 30, 2023.
The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. Wilkes Medical Center recognizes one of its nurses with this special honor every quarter. Each honoree receives a banner, certificate, DAISY Award pin and a hand carved “A Healer’s Touch” stone sculpture.
“When I was little, I loved the movie “Bad Medicine”, a movie about a guy who studies to become a doctor in Mexico, and basically falls in love with treating people who have little to no access to healthcare, said Greene. “So, I knew from a young age that that's what I wanted to do, become a doctor. I graduated high school with my CNA and started working right away at a hospital. It was then I realized that I wanted to be a nurse. I wanted to spend time with patients, be an advocate for patients, and just listen to them talk. I work with an amazing team, and never get through a shift alone. I see everyone here as an equal and this is what makes nursing fun and manageable to me.”
“Marlise is a very compassionate nurse and a phenomenal patient advocate,” said Brandy Edmiston, Greene’s manager. “She is always willing to go the extra mile for her patients. Her positive attitude and encouraging demeanor are appreciated by both her patients and coworkers.”
The next DAISY Award winner will be announced in January 2024.
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center named nurse Kendall Letendre as the hospital’s latest DAISY Award winner on August 3, 2023.
The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. Wilkes Medical Center recognizes one of its nurses with this special honor every quarter. Each honoree receives a banner, certificate, DAISY Award pin and a hand carved “A Healer’s Touch” stone sculpture.
“The reason why I got into nursing is because of my grandmother,” Letendre said. “She was always in poor health for as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl, my mom would remind me to be careful with her legs. They were being treated for diabetic ulcers at that time. Several years later, my grandmother's doctor prescribed her patches to help with the wounds on her legs. I began taking pictures of her legs to show her doctor, who was impressed with the progress made. The doctor suggested showing them to the drug representative. Once the drug representative saw the photos, she was also impressed. She asked for permission to use the photos to help with promoting their product, in turn they donated skin grafts to my grandmother. During these visits to and from the clinic, I saw how much the staff helped my grandmother. I knew then that I wanted to help others the way the staff at the wound care center helped my grammie. I have always loved wound care because it's like arts and crafts, but with medical supplies and you get to watch the progress your patients make with each dressing change.”
“Kendall transitioned to our IMC team in December of 2022 and immediately became an integral and welcomed part of the team,” said Brandy Edmiston, Letendre’s manager. “She is such a caring and compassionate nurse. She constantly goes above and beyond for her patients. This recognition was well deserved.”
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center named nurse Amanda Royal as the hospital's latest DAISY Award winner on January 26, 2023.
The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. Wilkes Medical Center recognizes one of its nurses with this special honor every quarter. Each honoree receives a banner, certificate, DAISY Award pin and a hand carved “A Healer’s Touch” stone sculpture.
“I knew I wanted to help people and become a nurse after my grandmother passed away from cancer. She had hospice nurses that would come in and treat her like family. I watched how they cared for my grandmother and wanted to be able to help others like they did. I strive to treat each of my patients like they are a member of my own family. I truly love nursing and could not imagine doing anything else.” Royal said.
“Amanda has both a professional and compassionate approach to her nursing care. Her nursing knowledge spans many types of nursing from med-surg, OR, and wound care. One of her greatest strengths is her ability to communicate to her patients and families. She is a valuable member of our nursing care team,” said Rhonda Jones, Royal’s manager.
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center named Tiffany Shumate, R.N., as the hospital’s latest DAISY Award winner on October 13, 2022.
The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. Wilkes Medical Center recognizes one of its nurses with this special honor every quarter. Each honoree receives a banner, certificate, DAISY Award pin and a hand carved “A Healer’s Touch” stone sculpture.
“I went to nursing school because I wanted a stable, rewarding career,” Shumate said. “I love taking care of patients and really enjoy working in the emergency department. Even though it can be a stressful environment, it’s satisfying knowing you can make a difference in someone’s life."
“Tiffany has been a strong leader within our department for several years,” said Jason Hamby, Shumate’s manager. “She is a mentor for newer nurses and a role model for providing excellent patient care.”
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center named Brittney Baird, R.N., as the hospital’s latest DAISY Award winner on July 20, 2022.
The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. Wilkes Medical Center recognizes one of its nurses with this special honor every quarter. Each honoree receives a banner, certificate, DAISY Award pin and a hand carved “A Healer’s Touch” stone sculpture.
“When I was in 8th grade, I kept going between wanting to be a teacher or a nurse,” Baird said. “That February, my uncle had to have back surgery and was sent home on subcutaneous blood thinner shots that needed to be given twice a day. My mom was unable to give them, so I was taught how to give shots at age 13. It snowed and school was cancelled most of that month, so I stayed with my uncle and ensured he took his shots on a regular schedule and got him things that he needed during the day. After administering his injections, I felt like I was helping him and making a difference in his healing. During his recovery I made up my mind that I wanted to pursue a career in helping people. July of this year marked four years of loving my career that my uncle helped me realize was for me. I have him to thank, along with my family for pushing me to do my best throughout school and especially during nursing school.”
“Brittney has received multiple compliments regarding her care and teamwork from patients as well as her fellow team members,” said Jason Hamby, Baird’s manager. “Since joining our emergency department team in March, she has been a valuable addition and asset to our department.”
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center named Stephanie Lunsford, R.N., as the hospital’s latest DAISY Award winner on April 21, 2022.
The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. Wilkes Medical Center recognizes one of its nurses with this special honor every quarter. Each honoree receives a banner, certificate, DAISY Award pin and a hand carved “A Healer’s Touch” stone sculpture.
“Receiving the Daisy award was a sweet surprise as I close a chapter in my nursing career,” Lunsford said. “While nursing for 25 years I did not expect recognition, especially the last day as a floor nurse. I just wanted my patients to be given the kind of care I would want to be given. My compassion through helping others has been such a blessing for me through the years. I love to see the positive outcomes in which compassion and care can have on others. When care and compassion are given in a true and meaningful, heartfelt manner others tend to be more calm, relaxed and trusting. This in turn helps them to heal mentally, physically and emotionally. I am proud to say that I am a caring and compassionate nurse of 25 years. I pray I can continue to give the compassion and care as I transition from bedside to educator. Instilling the care and compassion I provide to future nursing generations is the next chapter and goal of my nursing career.”
Lunsford’s manager, Brandy Edmiston, praised her as a fantastic nurse and patient advocate. “She has spent much of her career not only truly caring for her patients but also helping to care for and strengthen her teammates as well. She is truly a blessing to the field of nursing!”
The next DAISY Award winner will be announced in July 2022.
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center proudly announced Leslie Gambill, R.N. as the hospital’s latest DAISY Award winner on January 25, 2022.
The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. Wilkes Medical Center recognizes one of its nurses with this special honor every quarter. Each honoree receives a banner, certificate, DAISY Award pin and a hand carved “A Healer’s Touch” stone sculpture.
When Leslie was asked why she decided to become a nurse she had this to say: "I have always loved helping people and caring for people. I love feeling like I can make a difference. So that’s why I became a nurse.”
Leslie’s manager, Rebecca Church, R.N., said: “Leslie has been a part of the surgical unit for over 25 years. Leslie is an awesome nurse. She treats each patient with such caring and respect, as if they were her own family member. Leslie serves as a preceptor for other nurses for our unit and is a shining example of what a nurse should be. She is a team player and is always willing to help others out when needed. I am so proud to have worked alongside her and to have her on our team.”
The next DAISY Award winner will be announced in April 2022.
Previous DAISY Winners
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center proudly announced Sharri Porter, R.N. as the hospital’s latest DAISY Award winner on October 18, 2021.The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. Wilkes Medical Center recognizes one of its nurses with this special honor every quarter. Each honoree receives a banner, certificate, DAISY Award pin and a hand carved “A Healer’s Touch” stone sculpture.
When Sharri was asked why she decided to become a nurse she had this to say: "Being honored with the DAISY award was a complete surprise to me. The patient's kind words and generous compliments mean the world to me. To know that my care had such a positive impact touches my heart deeply. I sincerely hope that my career has blessed my patients over my 33 years in health care. I know they have taught me about compassion, dignity and strength throughout the years. I was encouraged by both my grandmothers to pursue a career in nursing. They felt I had the heart and compassion to care for others. Although they are no longer with me, both of them remain role models in everything I accomplish in this field.”
Sharri’s manager, Rebecca Church, R.N., said: “Sharri is very deserving of a DAISY award. She has been a valued employee of Wilkes Medical Center for over 25 years. Not only is Sharri a skilled provider of care but she is also compassionate and truly cares about each of her patients. She is a nurse who you want taking care of your family member. Sharri serves on the Area Based Governance committee and the fall prevention team. She has been a part of bringing positive change and an increase in patient safety to our facility. Sharri is a team player and she is always willingly to go the extra mile to help someone. She is an integral part of the surgical unit and I am so proud that she is part of our team.”
The next DAISY Award winner will be announced January 2022.
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center proudly announced Melissa Hamby, RN as the hospital's latest DAISY Award winner on August 12, 2021.
The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. Wilkes Medical Center recognizes one of its nurses with this special honor every quarter. Each honoree receives a banner, certificate, DAISY Award pin and a hand carved "A Healer's Touch" stone sculpture.
When Melissa was asked why she decided to become a nurse she had this to say: "I became a nurse because I wanted to help people. I never realized how much the words 'You've been so kind,' or
Thank you for all you've done,' from a patient could truly touch my heart. Although nursing has its challenges, it's worth it to make a difference to one person."
Melissa's manager, Debbie Mancusi, RN, said: "Melissa has several years of experience taking care of post op surgical patients. She is a fantastic preceptor and team mate with a great sense of humor. Melissa participates in Area Based Governance (a council that consists of a representative from each department to discuss relevant topics and to have a voice in decision making that affects the nursing staff) and plays an important role collaborating with other nursing representatives to have a voice in shaping processes that affect the staff. She is a compassionate, wonderful nurse and we are so thankful she's on our team!"
Wilkes Medical Center proudly announced Courtney Dula, RN as the hospital’s latest DAISY Award winner on April 20, 2021.The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. Wake Forest Baptist Health Wilkes Medical Center recognizes one of its nurses with this special honor every quarter. Each honoree receives a banner, certificate, DAISY Award pin and a hand carved “A Healer’s Touch” stone sculpture.
When Courtney was asked why she decided to become a nurse she had this to say: “When I was younger my grandmother, or as everyone else knows her ‘MomMom’, would always take care of her children and grandchildren. She cared for us and showed us compassion regardless the severity of a situation, sickness, or injury. I have always wanted to be just like my MomMom, and for me that meant becoming a nurse. In my role as a nurse I am able to provide love, encouragement, and support to my patients and their families. My hope is that each one of my patients feels valued, loved, and cared for after leaving the hospital.”
Courtney’s manager, Debbie Mancusi, RN, said: “Courtney has transitioned from an excellent surgical nurse to an excellent OB nurse and I have had the pleasure of being her manager for both! She began her career at Wilkes Medical Center as a student/ CNA and is now an experienced OB nurse, providing care to laboring moms and very sick newborns. Her leadership skills include covering the relief charge nurse role where she has demonstrated essential critical thinking skills. Courtney is an incredible asset to our organization”.
The next DAISY Award winner will be announced in August 2021.
Wilkes Medical Center proudly announced Jessica Lara, RN as the hospital’s latest DAISY Award winner on January 15, 2021.
The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. Wake Forest Baptist Health Wilkes Medical Center plans to recognize one of its nurses with this special honor every quarter. Each honoree receives a banner, certificate, DAISY Award pin and a hand carved “A Healer’s Touch” stone sculpture.
Jessica said she decided to become a nurse to make a difference in the lives of her patients. “Nursing is more than just caring for others” she said. “As a nurse, I make time to get to know my patients. I want them to know that I am here for them and that they can count on me."
Jessica’s manager, Michelle Kennedy, RN, said: “Jessica truly deserves the DAISY award because her nursing care is clearly grounded on the framework of compassionate care and teamwork." She always has a smile on her face and is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that our patients received the best care possible. We are so thankful to have her as a part of our Hematology and Oncology – Wilkes team."
The next DAISY Award winner will be announced in April 2021.
When asked what he enjoys most about being a nurse practitioner Timmy had this to say:
“I am honored to have been chosen as a Daisy award winner for Wilkes Medical Center. Being a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner is a second career for me. My parents raised me on a tobacco farm and I can remember my dad working so hard to give me what he could. He always was an encouraging figure in my life. I always said, ‘he always thought I was better than I actually was’. Nowadays, I think I try to use his patience more than anything else. After spending time as a bedside nurse and a transport nurse, I have been an NNP for 22 years. I absolutely love taking care of babies and I do realize the gravity in what I do. Every decision has a consequence. Each day you may be talking to parents on their best day ever or it may be their worst. I want to be able to give them something positive to look back on. I have learned over the years that it takes managers who will stand up for employees, strong nurses, nursing assistants...all the way to housekeeping, security and engineering to have a successful organization. But it has to be a special situation where it comes together to be a family like I have at Wilkes Medical Center”
Debbie Mancusi, RNC, Timmy’s manager said:
“Joining our team at Wilkes Medical Center a few years ago, Timmy, along with all the nurse practitioners, have been a tremendous support and a wonderful asset to our department. He has provided countless hours of education to the nursing staff and developed several improved processes and policies that have improved patient care. His greatest strength however, is his ability to connect with patients and their families. Timmy has a calming, compassionate demeanor which has helped patients through the most difficult times. He is very deserving of this award and we are proud he chooses to share his knowledge, expertise and skills with us. He definitely lives our patient and family promise each and every day”.
Wilkes Medical Center proudly announced Sarah Rogers as the hospital’s DAISY Award Winner on August 25th.
The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. Wake Forest Baptist Health Wilkes Medical Center plans to recognize one of its nurses with this special honor every quarter. Each honoree receives a banner, certificate, DAISY Award pin and a hand carved “A Healer’s Touch” stone sculpture.
When asked what she enjoys most about being a nurse Sarah had this to say:
“Receiving the DAISY award was an absolute surprise. Getting to read the testimonial of the family who nominated me is a gift that I will keep with me for the rest of my career. My mother was a nurse, and after she passed I have had countless people tell me all the ways she changed their life. I grew up with people telling me my mother was their hero because of the way she cared for them inside and outside of the hospital. Nurses would become my family’s heroes during her passing which I can still vividly remember from when I was 5 years old. This was my inspiration for becoming a nurse. I wanted to help people beyond just the medical side. I wanted people to not feel alone which has been even more difficult during this pandemic. Having only been a nurse for a year, I rely on my coworkers to continuously educate me on how to handle situations and care for people in the best way; so again, nurses remain my heroes”.
Debbie Mancusi, RNC, Sarah’s manager said:
“Sarah joined the nursing staff at Wilkes Medical Center’s surgical unit in 2019. She has been a tremendous asset to our team of professionals. Sarah has an energetic, cheerful personality with a compassion to care for others. Being a wonderful listener and patient advocate, she spends time connecting and communicating with everyone she encounters. The DAISY award exemplifies her strength as someone who truly lives her profession every day. She is very deserving to be included in this group of excellent nurses”.
Wilkes Medical Center proudly announced its 2nd DAISY Award Winner, Erica Hefner on January 27, 2020.
The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. Wake Forest Baptist Health Wilkes Medical Center plans to recognize one of its nurses with this special honor every quarter. Each honoree receives a banner, certificate, DAISY Award pin and a hand carved “A Healer’s Touch” stone sculpture.
When asked what she enjoys most about being a nurse, Erica had this to say:
My name is Erica Hefner and I’m honored to receive the Daisy Award however, I don’t do this work of Nursing for any recognition or praise. That’s not what I got into Nursing for. I’m grateful for this opportunity to tell my story. That internal battle with maintaining compassion for others even when we don’t feel that others deserve it sometimes. We nurses become too often jaded with experiences that too often makes “our blood boil or run as cold as ice.” We see others at their best and more often at their worst and most vulnerable. We have experiences and faces that we will never forget no matter how hard we try. We make a difference in their lives and they do remember how they are treated when they are at their best or worst. It’s not my place to pass judgement but to just to do my best. Getting a simple “Thank you” makes it all worth it.
I’ve been a nurse since 2008 which seems like ages ago at times but I cannot fathom doing anything else. I literally have the best job in the world. Even on the worst days, and trust me in OB/Nursery we nurses have horrific days. I don’t remember a specific event but at the age three I feel that God placed the desire on my heart to be a nurse. I jokingly tell people that I must’ve been a nurse in a past life or something because it’s been a consistent driving force in my life for as far back as I can remember. I certainly didn’t get through Nursing School without God’s grace and mercy. For that I am certain. I’ve always had this unexplainable inner “old nurse feeling” for example, the way I swaddle my newborns and odd Deja’ vu moments from time to time. My mother fondly tells the story of my early nursing career goals by saying “I couldn’t keep a single band aid in the house for she was constantly fixing her dolls and stuffed animal’s imaginary boo boos.” In tidying up our playroom she would find, for instance, a doll or teddy bear that had a bandage on its arm or leg, as well as, a red ink pen (my imaginary syringe) or an ink pen that I had taken apart, down to just a hollow tube then taped on its arm as if it was getting a shot or IV administration of some sort. I even think she has a picture that I drew of me as a nurse, tiny white hat and dress with babies in bassinets all around me. Also, I have a relative that became a nurse while raising her family. She and her family happened to move into our housing development when I was an adolescent and remembers me ringing her doorbell during the day while she was sleeping. She jokingly remembers this because she worked the night shift at the time and here is this annoying relative ringing her doorbell asking if I could borrow one of her Nursing textbooks instead of asking to play with my cousins or swim in their lovely pool. She graciously obliged my request and gave me a book every single time. I got the pleasure to work beside her later in my Nursing career when I started in OB/Nursery and she would tell my other coworkers this same story.
I could go on and on but the real reason I became a nurse is to help others and make some difference while I’m here on this earth. It’s an extremely profound experience like no other to share in the splendor of witnessing a baby taking its first breath or honoring someone while they take their last. I don’t always succeed but my hope is that if I can make someone’s experience better or impact their life in a positive way then I’ve been a good servant.
Comments from Erica's Manager Debbie Mancusi, RNC
“Erica joined WFBH/Wilkes Medical Center in 2018 and came to us with over 10 years of experience. Her strengths include a motivation to teach new parents, a compassion for helping families to have a joyous birth experience and a positive approach to teamwork. She was nominated by a patient who praised her non-judgmental approach to patient care. Erica helps new parents understand sometimes complicated processes and procedures with patience and understanding. New Beginnings Birthing Center is honored to have a recipient of the Daisy award on our team. It is very much deserved!”
- Debbie Mancusi, RNC, Nurse Manager
Daisy winner Jessica Absher and other nurses. Wilkes Medical Center proudly announced its first Daisy Award Winner, Jessica Absher on October 16, 2019. The Daisy Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day.
Wake Forest Baptist Health Wilkes Medical Center plans to recognize one of its nurses with this special honor every quarter. Each honoree receives a banner, certificate, DAISY Award pin and a hand carved “A Healer’s Touch” stone sculpture.
Jessica Absher has spent her entire five year nursing career at Wilkes Medical Center.
One of Jessica’s coworkers nominated her for the DAISY Award. In the nomination letter, one event stood out as an example of her work ethic. Jessica was moments away from clocking out at the end of a long 12 hour shift when she heard a code being called which meant that a patient needed help. She pulled her badge back and ran down the hall to help.
When asked what she enjoys most about being a nurse, Jessica had this to say:
“More than anything, I love knowing that I may play a small part in the healing process for patients and families. Many times that may be through nursing care to help them achieve the level of health and independence that they had prior to hospitalization and other times that means holding the hand of a sweet soul and their family as their loved one passes into eternity with peace and dignity. Not just the patients, but I enjoy the facility that I work at and my amazing co-workers, who have become family. Wilkes Medical Center has the small-town hospital charm that so many large facilities lack. I consider myself fortunate to work with these wonderful individuals at Wilkes Medical Center."
“From the time I was a child, family and friends jokingly called me ‘Mama Jessi’ because of my overwhelming need to coddle and cure everyone around me. As I grew and began to contemplate a career, I was drawn to the nursing field because of my desire to care, serve, and help others. Fast forward five years and I now have the career I always dreamed of, along with a wonderful and supportive husband and two precious children."
“There have been many experiences that have made me realize how mentally and physically exhausting you can become trying to balance home life and this incredible profession, but never for a minute have I regretted my career decision or desired anything different in life. For all the bad that comes with the job, the good has always outweighed it. God didn’t place us on this earth to be idle, he gave us all a purpose and mine is to care for others until he decides my time is done.”
Jessica’s coworkers enjoy working with her and said she treats every patient as a beloved family member and is a strong advocate for her patients.
Heather Gibb, nurse manager of the intermediate care unit (IMCU) and the intensive care unit (ICU) commented, "often times it is the power of a touch, smile, kind word, or listening ear that has the potential to turn life around and bring comfort to those in their most dire moments. Jessica exemplifies this caring and compassionate persona. I have had the privilege to be able to work beside Jessica and watch her grow from a new nurse, eager to learn, on our intermediate care unit; to a confident nurse in our intensive care unit. I am proud of Jessica and all that she has accomplished in her service to others and her commitment to the health and wellness of our community."
“Not only did we have an outstanding winner in Jessica, but we had more than 20 nominations,” said Susan Bachmeier, chief nursing officer at Wilkes Medical Center. “We are so proud of our nurses and are grateful for all they do for our patients and our community every day.”
The next winner will be announced in January.