BEE Award Archives

December 18, 2024December 18, 2024

October 2024 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY, and BEE Award recipients for October 2024. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members for being excellent every day, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics.

Kristin Navarra, a Registered Nurse (RN) and critical care clinical nurse educator of Samaritan Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit, received the DAISY Award. Bobbie McKnight a Nursing Assistant (NA) of Samaritan Medical Center’s Four Pavilion Unit, received the BEE Award.

Samaritan Medical Center’s Manager of Education Development Emily Soderquist nominated Navarra for the DAISY Award saying:

“I am consistently impressed with her organization, empathetic nature, and most obvious- compassion that she has for the nursing field. She is a realist; she knows what the nursing team needs and anticipates their challenges and helps her team prepare for them. She is an empath, understanding the challenges of everyday life as a nurse, and helps her team to make the time to learn new things that will improve their knowledge of patient care. She is a teammate, always looking out for the other educators, thinking of ways to help all – not only those that she works directly with. She is a learner, not only can she share her knowledge better than most people I know, but she is also always striving to learn as well.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Navarra was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

McKnight was nominated for the BEE Award by Joyce James, a Registered Nurse (RN) on Samaritan’s Four Pavilion Unit, saying:

“One of Bobbie’s greatest strengths is how she manages our behavioral patients waiting for placement. She is frequently able to get them to participate in personal care and calm them down when nobody else can. She treats this patient population with the utmost dignity and respect as she would one of her own family members. She gains trust with our patients and makes them feel safe.”

McKnight was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

These awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and nominations can be submitted by patients, families, or colleagues at any time. To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY, and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

Portrait of Kirstan Navarra, RN. Daisy Award Winner for October 2024.

Portrait of Bobbie McKnight, NA, Bee Award winner October 2024.

Pictured here, from left to right, are October 2024 awardees Kristin Navarra, RN, critical care clinical nurse educator, and Bobbie McKnight, NA, Samaritan Medical Center’s Four Pavilion Unit.

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About Samaritan Medical Center

Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.

About The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. 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. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) 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. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.

October 3, 2024October 3, 2024

August 2024 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Illustrative image: Daisy and Bee Awards winners for August 2024

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY, and BEE Award recipients for August 2024. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members for being excellent every day, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics.

Courtney Male, Registered Nurse (RN), of Samaritan Medical Center’s 4Pavilion, received the DAISY Award. Rebecca “Becky” Newark, nursing assistant (NA), of Samaritan Medical Center’s Progressive Care Unit (PCU), received the BEE Award.

Joyce James, RN, Samaritan Medical Center, 4Pavilion, nominated Male for the DAISY Award saying:

Courtney Male, RN, holding her DAISY Award certificate.

“Courtney is passionate about ensuring each individual patient receives care with the utmost dignity and respect, no matter their background. She is frequently found spending time with patients and family members, well beyond what is expected, to provide the emotional support they need. When a patient is scared, Courtney is right by their side.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Male was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Newark was nominated for the BEE Award by April Del Prete, RN, of Samaritan’s PCU, saying:

Rebecca Newark, NA, holding her BEE Award certificate

“Becky truly stands out as exceptional. Becky’s dedication to her work is evident in the way she clearly communicates with me, touching base at the beginning of each shift to discuss the patient’s plan of care and promptly reporting important details such as pertinent vital signs and patient findings. Her honest, unmatched integrity, and strong work ethic make her an invaluable part of our team, and she has always been the cornerstone of support during the shifts we have worked together.”

Newark was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

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About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

September 3, 2024September 5, 2024

July 2024 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Poster of Daisy and Bee awards winners for July 2024, at Samaritan Medical Center

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY, and BEE Award recipients for July 2024. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members for being excellent every day, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics.

Megan Finucane, Registered Nurse (RN), of Samaritan’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) received the DAISY Award. Missy Patchin, of Samaritan Medical Center’s dietary team, received the BEE Award.

The daughter of a grateful patient nominated Finucane for the DAISY Award citing her family member’s experience and saying:

“She (Megan) was extremely compassionate towards us. Her presence during one of the most heartbreaking times gave us calm. I will never forget her warm energy, her compassion and overall bedside manner.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Finucane was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Patchin was nominated for the BEE Award by a few Samaritan Caregivers with the following statement for nomination:

“Missy greets customers with a smile and a warm welcome. She is exemplary. She puts patients, coworkers, and family members first. She has exceptional work performance and attitude.”

Patchin was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

Photo of Megan Finucane, RN, holding her DAISY Award certificate for the month of July 2024

Photo of Missy Patchin, dietary team member, holding her BEE Award certificate for July 2024

From left to right are July 2024 awardees Megan Finucane, RN, and Missy Patchin, food service worker, Samaritan Medical Center.

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About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

August 6, 2024August 7, 2024

June 2024 DAISY®, BEE, and OWL Award Recipients

Image shows June 2024 Samaritan employees awards winners: Cindy Keenan, RN, Daisy Award; Bobbi Bailey, LCSW-R, BEE Award; Jennifer Bellis, CNA, SSV OWL Award, and Dorris McIntosh, unit clerk at SKH, OWL Award winner

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY, BEE, and OWL Award recipients for June 2024. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members for being excellent every day, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics, and the OWL Award recognizes outstanding workers in long term care.

Cindy Keenan, Registered Nurse (RN), of the Car-Freshner Center for Women and Children’s NICU received the DAISY Award. Bobbi Bailey, LCSW-R, of Samaritan Outpatient Behavioral Health, received the BEE Award. Samaritan Summit Village Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Jennifer Bellis, and Samaritan Keep Home sixth and eighth floors unit clerk Dorry McIntosh won the OWL Award for their respective facilities.

High-risk OB patient and Samaritan nurse educator Kristen Hunter nominated Keenan for the DAISY Award citing her patient experience and saying:

“…During our stay Cindy cared for us as a family unit for five out of ten days. She helped get us through a very difficult time, while caring for our little miracle. Even though I work on the maternal child unit, it does not make it any easier seeing your baby hooked up to an IV, on CPAP and a cardiac monitor and not being able to hold her for the first-time following delivery. Cindy ensured to talk my husband and myself through her plan of care that first night and every shift following.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Keenan was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Bailey was nominated for the BEE Award by a patient with the following statement for nomination:

“The first time I met Bobbi she made me feel welcomed. She is kind, and very, very, professional. She listens and never judges me. I have had some major setbacks in life and Bobbi has helped me to see the brighter side for sure.”

Bailey was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

Bellis was nominated for the OWL Award by Summit Village skilled nursing administrator Madaline Toliver who recalled a specific incident in which Bellis recognized an issue with a resident on the Assisted Living side of the facility and took immediate action to assist the resident.

McIntosh was nominated for the OWL Award by multiple co-workers and the director of nursing at Samaritan Keep Home saying:

“Dorry McIntosh is a true caregiver and upholds Samaritan’s HEART values in so many ways. Just to reference a few of the HEART values: Honesty. Even when honesty is not the easiest to hear. Empathy. I have personally witnessed Dorry make relationships with the residents and their families. I have seen her hold the hand of a resident whose time is coming to an end, hug and cry with families after loss or at discharge from the facility back home. I have witnessed her collaborate birthday parties, baby showers and so much more for her co-workers. Trustworthy. It is a true character trait that does not go unnoticed.”

Bellis and McIntosh were presented with certificates and tokens of appreciation during recognition ceremonies at their respective facilities.

These awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and nominations can be submitted by patients, families, or colleagues at any time. To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY, BEE, and OWL Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

Cindy Keenan, RN, Samaritan NICU. June 2024 Daisy Award winner.

Bobbi Bailey, LCSW-R, June 2024 BEE Award winner.

Pictured here, from left to right, are June 2024 caregiver awardees Cindy Keenan, RN, Bobbi Bailey, LCSW-R, Jennifer Bellis, CNA, and Dorry McIntosh, unit clerk.

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About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

July 10, 2024July 25, 2024

May 2024 DAISY®, BEE, and OWL Award Recipients

Picture here are the Daisy, Bee and Owl awards winners for the month of May, 2024.

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY, BEE, and OWL Award recipients for May 2024. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics, and the OWL Award recognizes outstanding work from Samaritan’s long-term caregivers.

Erin Bush, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), of the Adams Family Health Center received the DAISY Award. Renee Beach, administrative secretary, received the BEE Award. Samaritan Summit Village skilled nursing fourth floor unit clerk Brenda Magee received the OWL Award.

Adams Clinic Manager Donna Edwards, nominated Bush citing a particular patient experience and saying:

“Erin gives everything to her peers and patients. She makes herself available to everyone. She is a resource of knowledge and an experience problem solver. She is so deserving of this nomination. She exemplifies our organizations HEART values and is a HUGE asset to our team.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Bush was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Beach was nominated by Shannon Phillips, RN, nurse manager, with the following statement for nomination:

“Renee regularly goes above and beyond to support the Nursing Department. She is helpful and professional. She takes her role seriously and truly supports our organization in a professional and caring manner. Of mention are her tireless efforts in making Nurse’s Week successful every year. These celebrations don’t just happen on their own and Renee is responsible for all the planning, ordering, reserving and arranging to ensure our Nurses feel recognized and supported.”

Beach was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

Magee was nominated by Summit Village Director of Nursing Jeannette Emery who said:

“Brenda comes in early to assist with precepting new Certified Nursing Assistants. She communicates with staff and management to provide the best care for her residents and is respectful to families and everyone she encounters. Brenda is a great asset to the Samaritan family, and we are very happy she chose us.”

These awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and nominations can be submitted by patients, families, or colleagues at any time. To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY, BEE, and OWL Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

Erin Bush, LPN, May 2024 Daisy Award Winner — **Pictured here, from left to right, are May 2024 caregiver awardees Erin Bush, LPN, Renee Beach, administrative secretary, and Brenda Magee, unit clerk.**

Renee Beach, administrative secretary at Samaritan Medical Center, winner of the 2024 May BEE Award — **Pictured here, from left to right, are May 2024 caregiver awardees Erin Bush, LPN, Renee Beach, administrative secretary, and Brenda Magee, unit clerk.**

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About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

May 29, 2024May 29, 2024

April 2024 DAISY® and BEE Award Recipients

Illustrative image for Daisy and BEE April 2024 winners.

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for April 2024. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, both at the hospital and all outpatient clinics.

Kim Smith, Registered Nurse (RN), and Nurse Manager, for Samaritan’s Interventional Radiology (IR) and Infusion units received the DAISY Award. Nursing Assistant (NA) Ryan Washburn of Samaritan’s Progressive Care Unit received the BEE Award.

Registered Nurse Shirley Ward, nominated Smith saying:

Kim Smith, RN holding her DAISY Award certificate

“Kim has been my Nurse Manager for over 20 years. Her consistency in following contracts and policies makes her a highly respected manager since this prevents a chaotic environment and encourages growth and camaraderie within the department. I proudly say we have very good morale in IR due to her leadership. Patient satisfaction is always her priority. She also will do anything in her power to ensure we have the tools we need to deliver exceptional patient care. One example is combining resources. Kim was an instrumental force in 2022 when the Pain Clinic needed assistance being able to continue to provide services to their customers. They were short on RN staff, yet IR was short a provider. The creative solution offered up by Kim was to have Dr. Montalvo perform his procedures in the Angio suite, so these patients did not need to travel a long distance for their procedures or not have them done at all.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Smith was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Washburn was nominated by April Del Prete, RN, with the following statement for nomination:

Ryan Washburn, NA, holding his BEE Award Certificate at Samaritan's Progressive Care Unit.

“Throughout every shift, Ryan consistently demonstrates a level of commitment and compassion that sets a standard for excellence in patient care. Ryan’s willingness to go above and beyond is evident in every aspect of his work and everyone we work with would attest to that, without a doubt. He not only attends to the needs of his assigned patients with diligence and empathy, but he also proactively assists his colleagues, ensuring the smooth functioning of our unit. His proactive approach is reflected in his eagerness to learn, his readiness to offer assistance and in his remarkable ability to anticipate and address the needs of both the patients and staff members.”

Washburn was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

Both awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and nominations can be submitted by patients, families, or colleagues at any time. To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

May 15, 2024May 15, 2024

March 2024 DAISY® and BEE Award Recipients

March 2024, Daisy Award winner Brandi Simpson, RN, and BEE Award winner, Brittney Kiblin, Registered Pharmacy Tech.

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for March 2024. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, both at the hospital and all outpatient clinics.

Brandi Simpson, registered nurse (RN) at Samaritan Interventional Radiology received the DAISY Award. Brittney Kiblin, registered pharmacy technician at Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award.

Nurse Manager Kim Smith, nominated Simpson saying:

Portrait of Brandi Simpson, Registered Nurse, holding her Daisy Award certificate — Brandi Simpson, RN

“Brandi takes time at the bedside to engage in casual conversation to ease the apprehension and fear of patients receiving treatment for both new and old acute and chronic diagnosis. Brandi makes sure that the support person is always included and provides time for them to ask questions and seek clarification. She always provides them with education and reassurance to always “reach out and call if you have any concerns or questions”. She always maintains that welcoming smile and demeanor. Plus she is always willing to come in on a moment’s notice to help with staffing and make sure patients’ needs are met. I am so proud to have Brandi on my team and for all she has accomplished.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Simpson was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Kiblin was nominated by Pharmacist Andrea Favret, with the following statement for nomination:

Portrait of Brittney Kiblin, registered pharmacy technician, holding her BEE Award certificate — Brittany Kiblin, Registered Pharmacy Tech

“Brittney has been instrumental in preparing for and implementing the new regulations set forth by USP 797 on IV sterile compounding. Without her help, we wouldn’t be as successful as we are at maintaining regulations, training staff, and providing the highest level of care for our patients. Brittney is always willing to lend a hand to her fellow employees to complete the daily tasks in the department even if not scheduled to do so. She is very deserving of this award.”

Kiblin was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

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About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

April 10, 2024April 10, 2024

February 2024 DAISY® and BEE Award Recipients

February 2024 Daisy and BEE recipients: Ann Groff and Melissa McDonald.

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for February 2024. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, both at the hospital and all outpatient clinics.

Ann Groff, licensed practical nurse (LPN) at Samaritan Dermatology and Mohs Surgery received the DAISY Award. Melissa McDonald, medical assistant at Samaritan Dermatology and Mohs Surgery, received the BEE Award. This was a first for the committee to award two deserving caregivers to the same outpatient clinic, at the same time.

Rachel Moore, lead clinic LPN at Samaritan Dermatology and Mohs Surgery nominated Groff saying:

“At the end of the day she always makes her rounds to make sure the chores are done and checks to see if anyone needs anything before leaving. She never stops going and is a true team player. Ann helps precept new employees and is very well respected. If the surgical team needs help, she is there and hops right in. We need more nurses like her. Ann Groff is very deserving of the Daisy award because she is a true example of an extraordinary NURSE!! Thank you, Ann, for your hard work and dedication to our patients and for making the lives of others so much easier through your compassion. You are a true Samaritan star and DAISY.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Groff was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

McDonald was also nominated by Rachel Moore, with the following statement for nomination:

“Our patients are in great hands with Melissa. She assists with surgeries, and multiple procedures on a daily basis. Helps prep charts and get things ready for the next week without any hesitation. I hope she continues on for her nursing degree because she would be a fantastic nurse someday. Melissa is trustworthy, dependable, respectful, empathetic, honest and always accountable. Melissa deserves the Bee award with high honors for the fantastic care she gives our patients.”

McDonald was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

Ann Groff, licensed practical nurse, and Melissa McDonald, medical assistant, were presented with certificates for Samaritan’s February 2024 DAISY and BEE Awards.

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About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

April 9, 2024April 9, 2024

January 2024 DAISY® and BEE Award Recipients

Daisy and Bee Awards winners, January 2024

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for January 2024. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, both at the hospital and all outpatient clinics.

Megan Gould, licensed practical nurse at Samaritan Family Health Center (SFHC) in Adams received the DAISY Award. Mary Deline, nursing assistant at Samaritan Medical Center 4 Pavilion, received the BEE Award.

Donna Edwards, clinic supervisor at SFHC in Adams nominated Gould saying:

“Megan has a wonderful skill set of communicating with her patients. She is calm and patient but sets clear appropriate boundaries with patients. She is a nurse that nurses should strive to be. She is a huge asset to our organization. There are many events that would warrant her the recognition of this award but most recently she had an encounter with a patient’s family at the end stages of her life. The outcome for the family was loss and grief but Megan did an amazing job making that complicated process to get Hospice into the home less stressful for the family. This care she gives patients resembles that on a daily basis and she deserves to be recognized for her continued amazing care for her patients.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Gould was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Deline was nominated by Meghann Black, Registered Nurse at the Medical Center, with the following statement for nomination:

“Mary goes above and beyond for her patients. She takes her time with each and every one of them to make sure they are cleaned from head to toe and walked multiple times per day. Mary always volunteers to stay late on the days she works and almost always ends up working the next day. Mary is the epitome of how an aide should be and I do not think that she gets enough credit. Samaritan Medical Center is very lucky to have a hard dedicated worker like Mary.”

Deline was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

Megan Gould, licensed practical nurse, and Mary Deline, nursing assistant, were presented with certificates for Samaritan’s January 2024 DAISY and BEE Awards.

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About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

February 28, 2024February 28, 2024

September, October, November, and December 2023 DAISY®️ and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for September, October, November, and December 2023. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, at the hospital and all outpatient clinics.

September:

Jalynne Granger, Registered Nurse (RN), Samaritan Home Health, received the DAISY Award.
Brianna Biggs, nursing assistant, Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award.

October:

Tamara Bennett, RN, at Samaritan Medical Center, received the DAISY Award.
Jamie Lyn Goutermout, safety aid, inpatient mental health unit at Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE award.

November:

Athena Green, RN, Samaritan’s emergency department, received the DAISY Award.
Jamie Via, nursing assistant, Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award.

December:

Jennifer Steelman, RN, Samaritan Medical Center, received the DAISY Award.
Arlene Godfrey, EKG technician, Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award.

An excerpt from Granger’s September DAISY award nomination from the family of a patient, read:

“Jalynne has gone up and beyond as a home health nurse to my mom. Jaylyn has been patient and kind. On one visit she realized that my mom needed to go to the doctor immediately as a result of an infection that had started. It ended with my mom needing a short stay in the hospital. Which could have been a long stay or even worse if not for her guidance. We have never had a home nurse before and our family was a little anxious about this new situation, however with Jaylynne as our nurse we look forward to her visit every week.”

An excerpt from Bennett’s October DAISY award nomination from a co-worker, read:

“4 Pavilion (Medical Center) is so very lucky to have Tamara as a nurse. She is always going above and beyond for her patients and her coworkers. On countless occasions she has stayed after her scheduled hours until change of shift to make sure the floor had a charge nurse or has come in on a weekend day when the floor is short staffed. When a nurse reports a concerning change in status of a patient, Tamara goes directly to the bedside to assess the situation firsthand.”

An excerpt from Green’s November DAISY award nomination from the family of a patient, read:

“Nurse Athena checked in on us time after time and gave us updates. Near the end of our time in the emergency department, she brought in a Christmas stuffed dog for my son, and my son absolutely adored that dog. It made everything better for him and he did not let go of the dog until the next morning. Nurse Athena was kind, patient, understanding, and overall, the best nurse I’ve encountered thus far at Samaritan. We need more nurses like Athena.”

An excerpt from Steelman’s December DAISY award nomination from a co-worker, read:

“I have also had the pleasure of working with Jenn side by side, and there are not enough words to describe a nurse like her who embodies compassion, kindness, and unwavering dedication. Jenn exemplifies the epitome of compassion, kindness, and selflessness in her role as a registered nurse at Samaritan Medical Center. Her unwavering dedication to her patients is a testament to her exemptional character and commitment to care.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Granger, Bennett, Green, and Steelman were presented with certificates commending them as extraordinary nurses, DAISY Award pins, and symbolic sculptures called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

An excerpt from Biggs’ September BEE award nomination from a co-worker, read:

“Brianna is the aide that every nurse wants to have. She always goes above and beyond for her patients and nurses. No matter the request Bri is always willing to help out. She is the first one to a call light even if it is not her assigned patient, she jumps in and offers assistance whenever it is needed.”

An excerpt from Goutermout’s October BEE award nomination from a co-worker, read:

“Her dedication and commitment to her role as a safety aid at Samaritan demonstrates how she embodies the Samaritan H.E.A.R.T. (honest, empathetic, accountable, respectful, trustworthy) values. Her actions clearly demonstrate her passion for ensuring the well-being of both the staff and patients.”

An excerpt from Via’s November BEE award nomination from a co-worker, read:

“If ever there was an example of somebody that fits the definition of “Being Excellent Every Day” it is Jamie. Jamie consistently goes about her day with a positive outlook and goes above and beyond for her patients. Her consistent empathy and compassion make all her patients feel as though they are the most important which brings happiness to their day.”

An excerpt from Godfrey’s December BEE award nomination from a co-worker, read:

“I often find Arlene accompanying visitors and patients to their appropriate destination when they are lost. I watch how she engages in casual conversation that usually ends with a thank you and a smile. Arlene is proficient in her job duties and takes the time to teach and educate others. She is a leader within the organization and is the point person for scheduling, coordinating staff (PCA and Nursing) education as well as taking in students and interns for shadow hours and education within the EKG department.”

Biggs, Goutermout, Via, and Godfrey were presented with certificates, BEE Award pins, and gift bags with other tokens of gratitude.

Both awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and patients, families, or colleagues can submit nominations at any time. To nominate or learn more about the Samaritan DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

Photos of the named DAISY and BEE Award winners are available at samaritanhealth.com/news.

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About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

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