The October DAISY Award Winner is Jessica Binkewicz!

A program to recognize the care and compassion of extraordinary nurses continues at UHS with Jessica Binkewicz, BSN, RN, North Tower 2 at UHS Hospitals, being named the October winner of the DAISY Award! Jessica 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 North Tower 2 nurse was nominated by the niece of a patient Jessica cared for. In her nomination letter, the niece spoke about how despite clearly being busy at all times, Jessica never seemed bothered, and displayed some of the best hospitality she had ever seen. No matter the situation, Jessica never swayed, and was only extremely respectful and professional. When the patient was acting in a concerning matter, Jessica was extremely quick to respond and immediately performed tests and checked to make sure nothing was wrong. She communicated with the niece in a reassuring manner without ever worrying her aunt.

"Jessica's performance is commendable, and I'm SO glad she was there during a time that was very hard for our family," said the niece said. "She stood out as a highly knowledgeable, experienced and compassionate nurse, and I can only hope she continues in this field, because she is an incredible asset to UHS."

For Jessica, it is a family affair working at UHS. Her mother, Mary, works in the UHS Pharmacy, her sister Kristen works in Occupational Therapy and her sister Melissa works in Obstetrics. 

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.