Dawn Rishel is the DAISY Award Winner for June

A program to recognize the care and compassion of extraordinary nurses continues at UHS with Dawn Rishel, RN, North Tower 3, UHS Wilson Medical Center, being named the June winner of the DAISY Award! Dawn was recognized and presented with the award for the achievement, and enjoyed cinnamon rolls, a symbolic treat in honor of Patrick Barnes, whose experience inspired the award. 

"The DAISY Award's intent is to recognize nurses for their compassion and connection to the patient and their care. And what a wonderful way to honor and recognize Dawn for her nursing practice that was directly from a family member of a patient Dawn was caring for." said Kay Boland, RN, Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer, Chief Operating Officer, "Dawn truly exemplifies the values of UHS and deserves this recognition through the DAISY Award. We're proud Dawn is a UHS Nurse!"

Dawn was nominated by the daughter of a patient Dawn took care of. According to the caretaker, Michele Georgoudes, Dawn was always there for her and working diligently to help her mother stay as comfortable as possible, while also explaining to her the issues and ramifications of her mother’s procedures. Dawn was kind and patient, and answered all her questions, putting her at ease during a difficult time when Michele couldn't always be there physically.

"I cannot say how grateful I am for someone like Dawn who truly displays what a tireless, devoted, and passionate nurse can do to prioritize a patient’s well-being." said Ms. Georgoudes. "She made a lasting impression on me and stood out as an exemplary nurse willing to go above and beyond the normal call of duty." Ms. Georgoudes said. "I really was grateful for each day that my mother was in Dawn’s care. Her knowledge and nursing skills were very evident."

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. The DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of the auto-immune disease ITP in 1999. During his hospitalization, the family members deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his loved ones. When he died, they felt compelled to say “thank you” to nurses in a very public way. To learn more, visit DAISYFoundation.org. 

Started at UHS in April, nurses are nominated by anyone in the organization - patients, family members, other nurses, physicians, other clinicians and staff - anyone who experiences or observes extraordinary care being provided by a nurse.

Nominations are submitted by using a form found on NYUHS.org. On this form, the person will be able to tell the story of why they are nominating the nurse, while also choosing which UHS Value (Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, Innovation) the nurse displayed.

If you have any questions, please contact Toni Nash at (607) 763-6896 or send an email to daisy@nyuhs.org.