BEE Award Archives

June 13, 2025June 13, 2025

April 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

DAISY and BEE Winners April 2025 Graphic

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for April 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who are excellent every day, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics.

Roxane Christopher and Alexandra Lillie, Registered Nurses (RN) in the Labor and Delivery unit of Samaritan’s Car-Freshner Center for Women and Children, received the DAISY Award for April. Toni Rodriguez, a Screening and Visitation Specialist at Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award for April.

The DAISY nomination was provided by a patient, Tifany Gill, who stated, “Roxane and Alexendra both deserve the DAISY award. Although they didn’t physically deliver my baby, they made the most traumatic and fearful experience I’ve had in nearly a decade feel like I was experiencing it with support. Both nurses made me feel like I was safe and cared for.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Christopher and Lillie were presented with certificates commending them as extraordinary nurses. They each received 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.

Rodriguez was nominated by Cindy Oster, a visitor who expressed that Toni’s sincerity and empathy, as well as warm personality make a world of difference to her, and to all visitors and patients of Samaritan Medical Center.

Rodriguez 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 patients, families, or colleagues can submit nominations 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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Samaritan’s DAISY winners for April 2025, pictured on the left, from left to right, are Registered Nurses Alexandra Lillie and Roxane Christopher. The next photo shows the nurses with the nominating family. The BEE winner, pictured next, is Toni Rodriguez, Screening and Visitation Specialist. The final photo shows her with her nominator, Cindy Oster.

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.

April 29, 2025April 29, 2025

February and March 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Graphic of DAISY and BEE winners February 2025

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for February and March 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who are excellent every day, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics.

Allison Howard, a Registered Nurse (RN) in Samaritan’s Emergency Department, received the DAISY Award for February. Heather Berry, a Registered Nurse (RN) in Samaritan’s Surgical Services, received the DAISY Award for March. Beth Hayes, Radiologic Technologist, Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award for February. Veronica (Harley) Plaschka, Central Sterilization Technician in Samaritan’s Surgical Services, received the BEE Award for March.

Howard’s nomination was provided by the parent of a patient who expressed their gratitude for compassion and advocacy of their loved one during their time at the hospital.

Berry was nominated by a colleague who explained the nurse’s commitment to helping others and dedication to the profession.

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Howard and Berry were presented with certificates commending them as extraordinary nurses. They each received 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.

Hayes was nominated by a colleague for being helpful and being a champion for care for all the patients she encounters. She was acknowledged for her willingness to learn and desire to improve her own career through education and training.

Plaschka was nominated by a colleague who expressed the importance of a job well done by someone who works behind the scenes to ensure quality and patient safety through proper cleansing of surgical instruments.

Both awardees were presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

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Allison Howard, RN DAISY Winner February 2025

Pictured here, from left to right, are Beth Hayes, February 2025 BEE Awardee, Allison Howard, February 2025 DAISY Awardee, Heather Berry, and Veronica Plaschka, March 2025 DAISY and BEE Awardees. Congratulations.

About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

April 1, 2025April 1, 2025

January 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Graphic of January 2025 Daisy and Bee Award Winners

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for January 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who are excellent every day, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics.

Briana Gryglik, a Registered Nurse (RN) in Samaritan’s Emergency Department, received the DAISY Award, and Janeen Lee, clinic office support at the Adams Family Health Center, received the BEE Award.

Gryglik’s nomination stemmed from a patient encounter while she was a Graduate Nurse (GN) in Samaritan’s Progressive Care Unit (PCU). The person who nominated Gryglik expressed thanks for her attentiveness and compassionate care.

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Gryglik 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.

Lee was nominated for the BEE Award by Donna Edwards, Operations Manager for the Adams Family Health Center, saying:

“She is extremely patient-centered and puts so much effort into ensuring that a high standard of care is given to each and every one of our patients.”

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

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Photo of Janeen Lee, January 2025 BEE award winner

Pictured here, from left to right, are January 2025 awardees Briana Gryglik, Registered Nurse, and Janeen Lee, clinic office support.

About Samaritan Medical Center

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

January 14, 2025January 14, 2025

November 2024 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Graphic of DAISY and BEE Award Winners for November 2024, Anne Tyler, RN and Paige Boutiette, NA

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY, and BEE Award recipients for November 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.

Anne Tyler, a Registered Nurse (RN) at Samaritan’s Car-Freshner Center for Women and Children received the DAISY Award. Page Boutiette, a nursing assistant (NA) on Samaritan Medical Center’s Progressive Care Unit received the BEE Award.

The nomination for Tyler came from the mother of an infant who had been in the pediatric unit. They described Anne’s care and compassion not only for their infant child but for them as the mother who was scared and felt alone.

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Tyler 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.

Boutiette was nominated for the BEE Award by Sarah Lockwood, a Registered Nurse (RN) on Samaritan’s Progressive Care Unit, saying:

“Page is an exceptional nursing assistant. Despite working dayshift, Page is always willing to help nightshift as well. He is the type of nursing assistant every nurse hopes to have. His kindness and compassion for his patients is obvious and he is exceptionally helpful to nurses as well, even if he isn’t the assigned aide for their patients.”

Boutiette 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.

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Photo of Anne Tyler, RN, Daisy Award winner

Photo of Paige Boutiette, NA, Bee Award Winner

Pictured here, from left to right, are November 2024 awardees Anne Tyler, Registered Nurse, and Page Boutiette, nursing assistant.

Paige Boutiette, NA recieves BEE Award with colleagues

Pictured above are the award presentations for Paige Boutiette, NA, and Anne Tyler, RN. They are joined by their colleagues.

About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

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.

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

About The DAISY Foundation

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

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