Jennifer Duesterhaus, RN, IP Care Coordination, became the 92nd Blessing Hospital nurse to receive the international DAISY award during a ceremony on January 16, 2024, for her extraordinary nursing care
Jennifer was nominated by the primary nurse caring for a Blessing patient. The patient had opted for end-of-life care, and was also the parent to a son with a disability that left him completely dependent on the patient and unable to understand the situation.
The nomination read, in part: “The son was unable to sit with the patient in their “final hours” of life. After she finished her shift, Jennifer came to sit with the patient so they would not be alone. She sat for hours playing the patient gospel music, prayed, talked with her, held her hand, and reassured them to the very end. Jennifer went above and beyond what was expected of her on her own time. I can’t thank her enough as the primary nurse of the patient. It was comforting to know the patient wasn’t alone.”
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 5,400 healthcare providers and nursing education programs worldwide participate in the DAISY Award program.
DAISY award nomination forms are located on all nursing units throughout Blessing Hospital and on the internet at blessinghealth.org/recognize.