FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2009
Extraordinary Nurse Recognized at St. John’s Mercy Hospital
Jackie Daugherty was the first nurse at St. John’s Mercy Hospital (SJMH) to earn the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses from the American Organization of Nurse Executives and the DAISY Foundation.
Daughtery, a nurse at SJMH for 31 years, was nominated for the award by sisters Yorka and Linda Foster, of St. Clair, in appreciation of the care and concern Daughtery showed their family.
“Jackie took care of me,” said Linda Foster, who was being treated for a heart-related illness. “She also took care of my brother. She just stood out tremendously with her caring and her kind words. She cares about her patients, and cares about her job. She just loves it, and you could really tell.”
Daughtery also helped the Fosters after their brother passed away.
“It was a difficult time, and a difficult situation, but she really impressed me to keep on with exercises and rehab,” Foster said.
Daugherty was proud to receive the award.
“It was quite an honor,” she said. “It means that whatever I’m doing, I’m doing right, and the people who nominated me showed an appreciation for it.”
Daugherty said of her patients, “I treat them like I’d want to be treated. I treat them individually, listen to them, have fun with them, and just care about them.”
Daughtery received a DAISY Award pin and a certificate that reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” She also received a hand carved sculpture entitled “A Healer’s Touch.” It was sculpted by a member of the Shona Tribe of Zimbabwe and symbolizes the bond of care and trust between a patient and healer.
The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, Calif., and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. Barnes died in l 1999 from an auto-immune disease. The care he and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired them to find a way to recognize nurses for the difference they make in the lives of patients and their families. The award is given to nurses who have been nominated by patients, families, peers, physicians and administrators.
For more information visit www.daisyfoundation.org. To nominate a SJMH nurse for a DAISY Award, call Jeanette Holtmeyer at 636-239-7396.
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St. John’s Mercy Hospital is a member of the Sisters of Mercy Health System. The Hospital offers comprehensive medical, surgical, obstetric and pediatric services and has the only Level III Trauma Center located between St. Louis and Jefferson City, Mo. The Hospital is located just 50 miles southwest of St. Louis, Mo., and serves an area with more than 150,000 residents.
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