Vernon Peters, R.N., was honored with Coffey Health System’s DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses during a ceremony on June 10. The DAISY Foundation recognizes the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.
Peters has been part of the CHS family for 31 years, serving as a paramedic and currently as an emergency department nurse.
He was nominated by a colleague, who wrote: “Vernon continues to show steadfast dedication to Coffey County Hospital, coworkers, and the patients. …Through his various roles he has continued to show extraordinary care for patients and unwavering dedication to this community. I have witnessed patients come to the ER from the ambulance and verbalize how relieved they are to see that Vernon is their nurse, and they know how great of care he provides.”
Vernon is appreciated by his colleagues, who express deep value and appreciation not only for his readiness to step in and assist when needed, but also for his extensive knowledge, clinical expertise, and dedication to patient care.
“Vernon’s commitment to serving others is exceptional. His many years of dedicated service, and consistent dependability make him a valuable member of the Coffey Health System team,” said Chief Nursing Officer Suzanne Garcia.
CHS patients, family members, and colleagues nominated four other nurses for their exceptional compassion and skill: Rachel Adams, hospital; Abby Johnson, surgery; Myra Richard, emergency; and Diana Thomsen, The Meadows. All nominees receive a bouquet of daisies and a unique pin to adorn their badges.
“Simply having someone take the time to write a thoughtful nomination for a nurse is—in and of itself—worthy of acknowledgment to the nurse,” said CHS DAISY Award Coordinator Shelly Moss. “Special pins are presented to all nominees to recognize their work. These pins also help build awareness of The DAISY Award and ensure that meaningful recognition goes on all year.”
The DAISY Award
Award recipients receive various educational and professional membership opportunities, and a hand-carved sculpture called “The Healer’s Touch,” representing the bond between nurses and their patients. The sculptures are made of serpentine stone and signed by the Shona artist from Zimbabwe who created them.
The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), an 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.
Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, Doctor of Humane Letters (h.c) and co-founder of The DAISY Foundation, said, “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Coffey Health System are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”
CLICK HERE to nominate a CHS nurse for the DAISY Award—or any CHS staff for the BEE Award.