Tag: Caregivers

Posted on

January 2024 OWL Award Recipients

OWL Awards January 2024 winners poster.

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Keep Home and Samaritan Summit Village are pleased to announce the OWL award recipients for January 2024, the first recipients of this new award. The outstanding workers in long term care (OWL) award recognizes exemplary staff who support the residents, their families, and the caregivers at our long term care facilities.

Diana Sharpe, fifth floor Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at the Keep Home, and Niah Perez, first floor skilled nursing unit clerk, at Summit Village, were nominated, and selected as winners by a committee.

A co-worker nominated Sharpe and an excerpt from the January OWL award nomination, read:

“Diana goes above and beyond for all our residents. She takes pride in the care she gives. She is so genuine and kind, not only towards our residents and their family members, but to our staff members as well. She orients our new CNAs and surpasses all expectations. She is one of the reasons why SKH has value to it.”

A director of nursing nominated Perez and an excerpt the January OWL award nomination, read:

“Niah’s main priority is residents overall care and experience. Her attention to detail is outstanding. Anytime you ask Niah for anything her answer is ‘I will get that done.’ She has a positive uplifting attitude that our residents love.”

For being recognized, the OWL recipients receive a certificate, special parking spot for a month, an owl pin, special banner recognition, badge buddy, and various treats.

The OWL award will continue to be presented at each Samaritan long term care facility throughout the year, and residents, families, or colleagues can submit nominations at any time. To nominate or learn more about the OWL award, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

Pictured here, on left, Diana Sharpe, CNA at the Keep Home, and on right, Niah Perez, unit clerk, Summit Village, are the first two recipients of the OWL award.

###

About Samaritan Keep Home

The Samaritan Keep Home is a 272-bed long term care facility connected to the Samaritan Medical Center campus in Watertown. This residential care facility provides a full range of skilled nursing assistance, rehabilitative therapies, and social and recreational activities. Our mission is to provide an atmosphere that allows our residents to thrive and remain socially active in all aspects of their lives.

About Samaritan Summit Village

At Samaritan Summit Village – Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing facilities – our team is committed to providing sophisticated senior living. Whether we’re assisting with daily chores or planning exciting group activities, we’re here to help make living easier, at a reasonable cost. The services needed by residents may vary widely, but the goal of our care is always the same: helping seniors to live exceptionally. With its amazing views, Samaritan Summitt Village overlooks Watertown, NY, and offers 120 assisted living beds, and 168 nursing home beds.

About The OWL Award

The owl is symbolic of intuition, protection, and wisdom. At Samaritan, we are all caregivers, including those who have committed to showing extraordinary compassionate care as a long term caregiver. We need each other to care for our community.

The OWL Award (Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care) was established in December 2023 and is awarded to a caregiver who has given their time and talent to the healthcare system and to our residents. The recipients have repeatedly gone above and beyond in their role to help our staff, and residents, to make our community thrive. They exemplify the HEART Values and take their role as a Samaritan Caregiver with pride.

The OWL Award complements our existing DAISY and BEE Awards for staff, and HIVE award for volunteers. Together we recognize the amazing caregivers of the Samaritan Health System and the culture we embrace.

Posted on

At Samaritan, making a difference is the job

web banner. Care for our community and your career.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, individuals are now changing jobs — or more appropriately, careers and industries — more than ever before.

Among their top reasons for switching are pursuit of a more suitable work-life balance; scheduling to better accommodate a modern world; and most importantly, the need to be part of a positive workplace culture where they feel they’re making a difference in people’s lives.

Thankfully, those at Samaritan understand this impact and appreciate the chance to be a significant part of people’s lives, every day.

“Samaritan was originally founded as a place to care for our neighbors,” says Tom Carman, president and CEO of Samaritan. “Nearly 150 years later, caring is at the heart of everything we do. Our staff feel this, and it makes work a welcoming and rewarding experience for all of us.”

Nestled within the natural beauty of Northern New York, Samaritan offers dedicated candidates rewarding career opportunities, excellent benefits and professional development, and the ability to make a real difference in healthcare throughout our surrounding communities.

Vicky Steen, a 50-year employee of the Samaritan Keep Home, said, “My favorite part of my job is that I met so many amazing staff members I also work with an awesome group of girls within my department I love to put smiles upon the residents faces and they make my day as well. It’s just a great place to work.”

Opportunities across different departments

No matter the position—from registered nurse to certified nursing assistants to environmental services or office support—everyone’s job is critical to the care of Samaritan’s patients and residents. Bound by a common set of values known as HEART (honest, empathetic, accountable, respectful, and trustworthy) values employees are dedicated, enthusiastic and truly care about making a difference—and are surrounded by others who feel the exact same way. This common focus helps to create a great place to work and practice. Our patients and residents needs drive every decision.

Candice Matthews, a 19-year employee of Samaritan Medical Center, said, “What I love about my job is everything. I love interacting with patients. I love interacting with staff. I love seeing new things and every day you learn something new or meet someone new.”

Together, they’re supported by an organization whose ongoing strategic planning drives Samaritan forward, sets the tone for future growth and development, and offers stable, market rate paying jobs with guaranteed hours —all while providing a high quality of care for the community.

“We’re looking for employees who not only want to contribute to Samaritan’s growth, but grow with us,” says Cynthia Cassell, nursing recruiter for Samaritan. “This is a place of collaboration, driven by a team togetherness that translates across all departments. People love to be a part of this, even in the bustling world of healthcare.”

Supported by superior benefits

Samaritan and its affiliates offer a robust and competitive benefits package to its employees. These packages are the finest among Northern New York businesses; and with their combination of sign-on bonuses, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive health insurance, retirement support, paid time off (PTO) and community discount programs, each are a clear reflection of how much Samaritan cares about its employees, their health and their families.

“Each benefits package was developed with our employees in mind and how best to support them both inside and outside of work,” says Chris Rowe, executive director of human resources at Samaritan. “Our caregivers are what make our care exceptional, and their well-being means everything.”

Benefits available to employees at Samaritan include:

  • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • 401(k) retirement benefit + employer match
  • RN, LPN, tech retirement
  • Long-term sick time
  • Employee fitness rebate
  • Quit for Life smoking cessation
  • Aflac cancer coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Select Loan forgiveness
  • QuickCharge (payroll deduction for on campus purchasing)

Encouraged to develop

Samaritan is proud to invest in the future of its employees by providing financial assistance and professional guidance to individuals interested in enhancing job knowledge or developing skills that foster growth in healthcare careers.

“One of the best ways we can support our employees is by encouraging their development,” says Rowe. “The more they can grow in their careers, the more they can accomplish for themselves, their families and our entire community. There are countless stories of employees that started in dietary and are now RNs and other roles.  We helped them achieve their career goals.”

Some of the ways Samaritan helps its employees develop—and make an even bigger difference—include the following:

  • Tuition assistance or reimbursement – Some employees are eligible for tuition assistance or reimbursement. There are various requirements and each case may differ. Potential employees or current employees are encouraged to contact Human Resources to see if there are options available to them.
  • Excellence through Collaboration Education and Leadership EXCEL Program – This program is designed to cultivate promising leaders within Samaritan who create and promote an engaged workforce and a culture of excellence; and focuses on such leadership competencies as delegating responsibility, communicating with impact, and building organizational talent. Upon completion, learning to leading the Samaritan Way will enable leaders to learn practical leadership skills; provide opportunities for personal and professional growth and development; and much more.

Interested in joining our Samaritan team? If so, learn about career opportunities at  https://samaritanhealth.com/careers/careers-education/ or call (315) 779-5236.

Posted on

Samaritan Thanks Community for Support During Water Loss

A disaster can bring out the best in a team, a community, and partners. Teams become closer, and new bonds are formed. This past water crisis in the City of Watertown was a considerable challenge for Samaritan, yet in every crisis, we learn, grow, and remain grateful for those who helped. The Samaritan Caregivers would like to thank all the community groups that helped us, checked in on us, and ensured we could care for patients and residents. The list is long, and we are sure a few unsung heroes may have been missed, but truly, we are grateful to all. 

  • Carthage Area Hospital – your team and facilities helped our Central Sterilization and Lab teams keep functioning. We are so grateful for your help and for letting us use your equipment. Our team and patients are so thankful. 
  • Local and regional hospitals – thank you for accommodating the patients who would have been treated at Samaritan. We appreciate you and your expertise. 
  • Our local fire departments – we worked closely with City of Watertown Fire Department personnel and Jefferson County Emergency Management teams to ensure our facilities had water for our mechanical systems. Volunteer fire departments throughout the county placed portable tanks at each primary location and ensured we had what we needed. 
  • Local EMS (first responders, emergency medical, and ambulance services) – this was a historic event, and being unable to serve patients left a crippling impact on local services not being able to transport patients to Samaritan Medical Center. Thank you for your patience and the many extra miles you were forced to travel to care for those in your care. 
  • John Allen Sanitation – your team worked quickly to get us 20 portable bathrooms for our staff at a very low cost. We are grateful for your swift action and response. 
  • Kinney Drugs – thank you for your over 800 lbs. of bagged ice donation to our patients, residents, and staff. After buying all we could from our supplier, you gave us what we needed. 
  • Detail This – thank you for our needed water tanker and water delivery. 
  • Coca-Cola– thank you for the large delivery bottled water delivery to ensure we had drinking water. 
  • Lab Corp – as one of our reference labs, it became necessary to send specimens to your team to help decrease the volume on our lab staff; thank you for being a strong partner. 
  • Yellow Cab – we needed reliable and continuous transportation for some of our operations, and you became that partner; thank you. 
  • Century Laundry – thank you for laundering our over 14,000 lbs. of laundry quickly and timely, we appreciate your help. 
  • Fort Drum – the leadership and troops rallied to help our entire city and provided essential support to Samaritan during this time. This partnership is special and beneficial to all. 
  • Local and State officials – Our team of leaders spent much time and conversation with city of Watertown officials, local emergency management teams, and other important contacts. Our need to communicate was imperative, and each team stepped up and provided information and updates. We also want to acknowledge the resources and guidance the State of New York provided. Seeing their swift action and resource allocation was uplifting. 
  • State Department of Health – thank you for the assistance and guidance before, during, and after the event.  
  • Our inpatients and residents – thank you for understanding our challenges during the water crisis and for working so well with our caregivers.   

And the most enormous thanks go to our compassionate and amazing team of caregivers at Samaritan. You made the best of a terrible circumstance. You rallied and communicated, and together, we went above and beyond to ensure patients and residents were safely cared for when a basic staple of life was unavailable. We are grateful to each of you and enormously proud that you are a part of the Samaritan family. 

Posted on

Samaritan Celebrates November 2022 DAISY®️ and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for November 2022. 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.

Casey Hughes, a Registered Nurse at Samaritan Home Health, received the DAISY Award. Ruth Reinbeck and Lisa Ericzon, Central Sterile Technicians in Surgical Services at Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award. 

Stephanie Parks, Director of Patient Services, Samaritan Home Health, nominated Hughes saying:

“Casey is a home care nurse that goes above and beyond to always put patient needs first.  In homecare the nurses are in the home with no other medical professional with them. Generally home care visits take between 30-60 minutes. Casey was going to see a patient for the first time since they were discharged from the hospital.  Upon her thorough assessment she revealed that the patient’s wound was much worse than expected.  Casey spent two hours in the patient’s home to ensure proper care and follow up was performed.  Casey is a great example of Samaritan’s HEART values.  She takes care of each and every patient as if they were her own family member.”  

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

Ruth Powell, FNP, Surgical Services, Samaritan Medical Center, nominated Reinbeck and Ericzon.  

“Ruth and Lisa have both been here at Samaritan for greater than 20 years. They exemplify “being excellent every day and for being extraordinary team members.” They are highly respected and trusted by their coworkers and peers.  I have seen them work countless numbers of hours when their unit was short staffed, or someone needed training. They have been here through an entire move from combining two totally different ORs into one new OR. They were instrumental in the tedious job of converting paper to computer practices in regard to OR surgical instruments and sterilization methods. Ruth and Lisa are always looking for ways to improve processes which leads to more efficiency in their area. This, in turn, leads to a more efficient operating room. Ruth and Lisa are the backbone of their department. They make a meaningful difference every day in the care of patients.”

Reinbeck and Ericzon were each 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.

###

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.

Posted on

Samaritan Celebrates June 2022 DAISY® and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for June 2022. 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.

Anna O’Neil, a Registered Nurse at Samaritan Medical Center, received the DAISY Award. Norravith Mathison, Cardiac Sonographer in Echocardiology, received the BEE Award. The family of a patient, Joseph Avola, nominated O’Neil. Kim Smith, RN, Nurse Manager nominated Mathison. A committee then selected them.

Anna O’Neil, RN

O’Neil was nominated for being a wonderful caring human. The patient’s family described O’Neil saying:

“He raved about Miss Anna, saying she was like his guardian angel while he was in care at Samaritan.”

The patient had been in care at Samaritan for nearly a month. His daughter stated O’Neil would sit and listen to his stories and provided Mr. Avola with love and attention.

“She was the most special human to my father and family even during one of the darkest times in our lives.”

Family members of the late Joseph Avola attended O’Neil’s DAISY presentation to say Thank You!

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – O’Neil was presented 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.

Norravith Mathison, Cardiac Sonographer in Echocardiology

Kim Smith, RN, Nurse Manager, for always putting patients first, nominated Mathison for the BEE Award.

“He ensures patient-centered care is provided with empathy and compassion.” She added, “He balances inpatient and outpatient schedules and needs with his critical thinking and prioritization skills.”

Mathison 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 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.

###

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

Posted on

Samaritan to hold a Healthcare Hiring Event

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Health is inviting motivated individuals to attend its healthcare hiring event.

Learn more about starting your career in healthcare in the following areas: food service/cook, laundry/housekeeping, patient registration, clinic office support, lab assistant/phlebotomist, and training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

The in-person event will include the opportunity to speak directly to leaders and features on-the-spot interviews, do not forget your resume.

Join us on June 23 between 3-7 p.m. at Samaritan Medical Center, 830 Washington Street, Watertown, NY, in conference rooms A&B on the second floor.

###

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.

Posted on

Samaritan Celebrates Employees at Annual Service Awards Banquet

WATERTOWN, NY – On May 16, Samaritan celebrated its employees who reached twenty-years-in-service or more milestones in 2021 with a dinner and awards reception at the Hilton Garden Inn.

The event served as the kick-off for Samaritan Experience Week, during which all caregivers across Samaritan Health are recognized.

“It takes a special person to go into healthcare. Someone who is caring and willing to give of themselves.  We are honored to celebrate our Samaritan Caregivers who have dedicated their careers to Samaritan, our patients/residents, and their team members,” said Thomas H. Carman, President and CEO of Samaritan Medical Center.  “We cannot thank them enough for their loyalty and dedication. While these last two years through the pandemic have been challenging, all Samaritan Caregivers have been caring, committed, and courageous.” 

Recognized for 45 years with Samaritan was Debra Lashway (not photographed at the event).

For 40 years were Kelly R. Scee, Gale Y. Freeman, Diane L. Tibbles, Margaret (Peggy) Macaulay, and Mary K. Gregory. Debra Farmer was recognized but didn’t attend the dinner.

For 35 years were Kelly S. Burnash, Randal K. Halaburka, James P. King, Anthony J. Marra, Lisa L. Pittman, Lori A. Plantz, and Debra A. Sumell.

Pictured here are Lisa L. Pittman and Anthony J. Marra

30 years celebrated were Tina Marie Ackerman, Robert C. Ackley Jr., Evelyn R. Aviste, Kelly Reese Barker, Diane A. Chisamore, Amy E. Collins, Mary E. Gregory, Jennifer J. Haley, Jody L. Hewitt, Kimberly A. Jackson, Bonnie Louise Labarge, Stacey Michelle Mack, Debra Marino, Beverly M. Monica, Sandra Lee Netto, and Nicole R. Simmons.

Pictured here are Evelyn Aviste, Bonnie LaBarge, and Debra Marino

At 25 years the following caregivers were recognized: Sharon L. Sourwine,  Ruth H. Powell, Jennifer E. Lundy-Kalin, Pamela J. Childers, Jean R. Kress, Cherene L. DeRosia, and Paul E. Gillette (in the picture); and Dawn Bastien, Monica J. Campbell, Brianne Nicole Castro, Keitha R. Dupee, Patti Ann Freeman, Cynthia E. Hall, Debra S. Hamilton, Leisa F. Hamm, Tammie Hulbert, Christopher Martin Lavin, Randy J. Marino, Marco Schmidt, Betty Shelmidine, John Stano, Anne M. Tyler, Julie A. Verne, and Danny W. Vincent.

For 20 years the following caregivers were recognized: Norravith “Ae” Mathison, Garett Joseph Hayes, Catherine A. Ford, Terrance L. Cavanaugh, Kelly R. Brasel, Tonya R. Covington, Sandra L. Veley, Rose Busler, Lorraine E. Hoffman, and Crystal L. DeWitt (in the picture). Also were recognized but not in attendance: Mark K. Cloonan, Gail Francine Dennie, Raiona Rae Fleming, Todd H. Fuller, Jody Renee Hanson, Norma Jean Hunter, Scott J. Jacobs, Carolyn Orton, Shelia Sheehan, Karen Elizabeth Stewart, Patricia A. Thomas, Laurie Jo Wayte, and Kristin Elizabeth A. Worden.

Posted on

Samaritan Celebrates April 2022 DAISY® and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for April 2022. 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.

Hilary Jacobsen, RN

Hilary Jacobsen, a Registered Nurse at Samaritan Medical Center, received the DAISY Award. Kim Shelmidine, nursing assistant in Surgical Services, received the BEE Award. Jacobsen was nominated by a grateful patient, and Shelmidine by Kristin Ward, RN, Clinical Nurse Educator. A committee then selected them.

Jacobsen was nominated for calming the patient’s fears and providing detailed explanations of care when the patient was in the hospital. The patient described Jacobsen saying:

“I feel very lucky to be able to count on her for her hard work and dedication. Any young nurse would be lucky to have Hilary as a mentor and to try to emulate her. She was a true team member.”

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

Kim Shelmidine, Nursing Assistant

Shelmidine was nominated for the BEE Award by Kristin Ward, RN, Clinical Nurse Educator for demonstrating high standards of efficiency and professionalism every day.

“She puts the patient above all else. She keeps our department flowing, she keeps our areas stocked and she does this with a smile every day.”

Shelmidine 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.

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.

Quick Links