This month, MMH recognized three of its team members for the dedication and compassion they bring to the workplace. Nicki Czerniak, RN received the DAISY Award, an honor presented to nurses who put patients first in all encounters. Social workers Anne Amberger and Ann-Marie Marsh received the BEE Award, an honor presented to non-nursing team members whose support also impacts patient care and outcomes.
The DAISY Award is an international honor established by the family members of J. Patrick Barnes after he died at the age of 33 from complications of an autoimmune disease. The Barnes family was inspired by the clinical skills and compassion of his nurses, so they created the award to say thank you to nurses everywhere.
Czerniak was nominated by Kelli Carter, a fellow MMH nurse, who wrote:
“Nicki is the backbone to our Outpatient Clinic family. She is not only our charge nurse, but everyone’s go-to person. She is always the one to stay late to make sure everything is done or step out of her role to cover anyone who is sick or has a sick child. I have not only experienced her compassion as her coworker but as a mother to one of her patients. I realized how special she was when my son had an emergency open appendectomy. Nicki was so efficient and made me confident he was in the best care.”
At MMH, every member of the team plays an essential role in patient care. For this reason, the BEE Award was established to recognize non-nursing team members who stand out among their peers for creating a positive atmosphere at work.
Amberger and Marsh were nominated by MMH Pharmacist Shelli Voss who wrote:
“Ann-Marie and Ann are a ‘social work’ duo who work many hours behind the scenes to ensure patients receive the best care. When our patients and their families receive difficult news, they are there to offer strength and support. Social workers often wear many ‘hats,’ and these two ladies wear them all! MMH is better because of them.”
The DAISY and BEE awards are presented twice a year, and nominations can be submitted by anyone, including patients, family members, providers and staff. All nominations are blinded and sent to an internal committee for consideration. Submit a nomination here.