Photo (l to r): Lori Pietig, Cancer Services Director and DAISY Award Coordinator; Scott Ellis, Vice President of Patient Services; Katie Nelson, Daisy Award winner; Cheri Theulen, Cancer Services Clinical Supervisor; and Bailee Schleisman, Infection Prevention RN and DAISY Award Coordinator
A St. Anthony Regional Hospital nurse was surprised on Thursday with a reception and presentation of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Katie Nelson, RN, BSN, OCN was greeted by family members and staff from the St. Anthony Cancer Center with the award that recognizes nurses for their “super-human” efforts. The nomination submitted says she goes above and beyond in caring for cancer patients, spending countless hours searching for resources to assist patients with everything from transportation to cell phone usage and she is never too busy to lend a helping hand. “She does an excellent job of listening to patients and their family members to see what is needed and coordinate how we, as a facility, can assist them to the best of our ability,” the nominator wrote. Cancer Center Director, Lori Pietig, says Nelson exemplifies every aspect of what makes an extraordinary nurse. “She is a true patient advocate and has helped grow and develop the nurse navigator role to best meet the needs of our cancer patients. We are blessed to have her as a part of our team.” Scott Ellis, Vice President of Patient Services and Chief Nursing Officer at St. Anthony agrees, saying it is important to recognize the work their nurses are doing in every area. “A nurse’s calling is more than just a job and often involves helping to save a life, bring a life into this world or holding the hand of a life as they die with dignity. The DAISY Award recognizes and honors the exceptional care our RNs, LPNs, CRNAs and ARNPs provide.” The DAISY Foundation was formed by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), an autoimmune disease. The care Barnes and his family received from the nursing staff inspired the foundation and the award.
