McKenna Uplinger, RN, 2 North, who joined the Blessing Hospital nursing staff after graduating from John Wood Community College’s nursing program in May 2019, became the 49th Blessing nurse to receive the international DAISY Award during a ceremony on March 4.
Through the DAISY award program, patients or their family members, visitors, doctors, hospital staff members or volunteers may recognize the extraordinary care provided by nurses.
McKenna was nominated by a patient whose foot was being checked regularly after surgery because it felt cold and looked blue.
“Finally my “angel nurse” (McKenna) checked my toe. She kept saying to herself that I needed a doctor now, and she felt she needed to call him ASAP. When he arrived and checked, he said I needed to get surgery done right away.”
“McKenna saved my life that night,” the patient continued. “I will be forever thankful for her dedication and pray she will continue nursing and listening to that small whisper that urges her to follow her instincts in life and death situations.”
McKenna is continuing her education through the Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing & Health Science’s RN-to-BSN program.
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 nomination forms are located on all nursing units throughout Blessing Hospital, other locations on the 11th Street campus and on the internet at blessinghealth.org/patients/recognize-team-member.