Leighann Hiser is the March DAISY Award recipient!

A program to recognize the care and compassion of extraordinary nurses continues at UHS with Leighann Hiser, BSN, UHS Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), being named the March winner of the DAISY Award! Leighann 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 NICU nurse was nominated by family members of infants that she cared for. In the nomination letter, the family spoke about how Leighann displayed all of UHS' Values (Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork and Innovation). She was a constant presence for the family and made them feel safe in a scary time for them. The family spoke about how Leighann answered all their questions and always tried to help. They also witnessed her being an exceptional teammate. And while they were grateful for the whole NICU Unit, they truly felt Leighann went above and beyond for their babies.

"Leighann made you feel involved every step of the way. She made us feel comfortable helping with care for our babies and that meant the world to us. We were literally leaving a part of ourselves in the NICU every day. Knowing Leighann was there made it so much easier taking some time for ourselves and getting what little rest we could. We could leave knowing our babies were getting the best care possible," said the nominating family. "We saw how much she loves what she does and that showed in the care she gave."

Thank you Leighann for displaying such Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork and Innovation for this patient and their family, a stellar example of a member of our team living "The UHS Way!"

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 the Seattle man 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 2021, 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.