CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman Regional recently presented the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award for Extraordinary Nurses to Katie Weber, R.N. – 5 East, for the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care she provided to one of her patients and his daughter.
The nomination was submitted by the daughter of a patient at Cullman Regional. The nomination stated, “Katie was one of my daddy’s nurses. He passed away March 3, 2020, and I had to make difficult decisions. I was alone most of the time, but she was there with me. I felt like she went over and beyond her calling. She was caring and understanding, and was there for me even to cry to. She understood my daddy was dying even when I didn’t see that he was and stepped in to take care of him and make him comfortable.” The nomination goes on to say, “Katie texted me the day of my daddy’s funeral a scripture that I hold in my heart. I do believe she’s an angel. She was my daddy’s angel and for that, she deserves the DAISY award and so much more.” Cullman Regional is so proud of Katie for the outstanding care and compassion she provides to patients and their families daily.
Cullman Regional Chief Nursing Officer Charna Brown, BSN, RN, stated, “We are proud to be among the health care organizations participating in The DAISY Award program. Nurses are heroes every day. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that.”
Nurses may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. The award recipient is chosen by a committee at Cullman Regional and the awards are presented throughout the year at celebrations attended by the Honoree’s colleagues, patients and visitors. Each Honoree receives a certificate commending her or him as an “Extraordinary Nurse.” The certificate reads, “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” Honorees also receive a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complication of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. A little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. To nominate a nurse or learn more about the DAISY Award, visit https://cullmanregional.com/daisy-award-nomination/.
