April Grattan, RN, Blessing Hospice, became the 60th Blessing Hospital nurse to receive the international DAISY Award during a ceremony on May 25, 2021.

Patients and their family members, visitors, doctors, hospital staff members or volunteers may recognize the extraordinary care provided by nurses by nominating them for a DAISY award.

April was nominated by the granddaughter of a woman who was receiving Blessing Hospice care in a Quincy nursing home. The nomination stated, in part: “Treating a patient during their end of life transition can’t be easy. Throw in a pandemic on top of this and the job title changes.

For my mom and me, April was a weekly check in for us, in addition to the nursing home team. My grandmother was a resident of Sunset Nursing Homsp so there were visiting restrictions due to the pandemic. April was always willing to pass along information for us. Due to the limitations of being able to see my grandma you can imagine the list of questions that I would have for April. She was always VERY patient with me.”

“April would not only give us insight to my grandma’s health, but she would also give us updates on her loneliness,” the nomination continued. “A few times April would mention that she just sat with my grandmother, watching pictures scroll on her digital picture frame. For us who had limited access to visit, it was nice to know she was getting visitors.”

“April is an amazing nurse and person! I can’t thank her enough for being a special person to my grandma in her final months of life. She was there when we couldn’t be,” the nomination concluded.

DAISY stands for “Diseases Attacking the Immune System.” The family of a 33-year- old man, who died of an immune system disorder, began the program in 1999 to honor his memory by recognizing extraordinary nurses everywhere who make a difference in the lives of people by the work they do every day.  More than 4,000 healthcare providers worldwide participate in the DAISY Award program.

 DAISY award nominations forms are located on all nursing units throughout Blessing Hospital or by clicking here.