PHOTO PROVIDED DAISY winners, from left, Melissa Lehman, LPN, Cole Place, part of UPMC Senior Communities; Jennifer Jeirles, LPN, UPMC Outpatient Emergency Department in Lock Haven; and Kaytie Helsel, LPN, 6 West, UPMC Williamsport, are shown with their awards.

WILLIAMSPORT — Three nurses from UPMC in North Central Pa. were recently recognized as recipients of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

Melissa Lehman, LPN, Cole Place, part of UPMC Senior Communities; Jennifer Jeirles, LPN, UPMC Outpatient Emergency Department in Lock Haven; and Kaytie Helsel, LPN, 6 West, UPMC Williamsport, were all honored with DAISY Awards for Quarter 2.

Melissa was nominated by a resident who shared:

“Melissa is so kind-natured and sweet. She always walks into my room with a smile. We have so many good nurses here that I really like, but Melissa always stands out to me with her heart. You never see her having a bad day, and she is here for all of us.”

Jennifer was nominated by two patients, one who shared:

“Recently I found myself in the Emergency Department. Fortunately for me, a nurse named Jennifer was responsible for my care. She calmed my fears and her delightful and compassionate demeanor really calmed my nerves. Jennfer is such an asset to UPMC. After my treatment, she thoroughly explained my discharge instructions and medications to me and my husband and answered all our questions. Kudos to Jennifer and many thanks.”

Kaytie was nominated by a patient who shared:

“Kaytie is an outstanding example of what a nurse should be. She is empathetic, compassionate, encouraging, caring and makes you feel special. Kaytie makes you feel like you’re more than just a patient. She takes care of you like you are family. During my stay, Kaytie has displayed exceptional leadership skills and is always respectful. Kaytie should be recognized for being genuinely nice to those going through difficult times.”

The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 in California by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 from complications of an auto-immune disease. During his eight-week hospital stay, his family was impressed by the care and compassion his nurses provided, not only to him but to everyone in the family. They created the DAISY Award in his memory to recognize those nurses who make a big difference in the lives of so many people.

UPMC is proud to be a DAISY Award partner. Nurses are nominated by patients, family members of patients, as well as other health care professionals. DAISY Awards are presented to nurses at UPMC in North Central Pa. monthly. Each DAISY Award Honoree is given a DAISY Award pin, a certificate of honor and a stone sculpture entitled, A Healer’s Touch, handcrafted by a tribe in Zimbabwe. Anyone can nominate a nurse for the award including co-workers, patients, patient family members or physicians. To nominate a nurse, visit UPMC.com/ThankaNurse.