CNBNews

Three Jefferson Health nurses — Samantha Funk, BSN, RN (Same-Day Surgery, Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital); Karen McCusker, MSN, RN (Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center - Washington Township); and Dipixaben Patel, RN (Silvestri 4, Jefferson Washington Township Hospital) — were recently honored with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

Funk, of Camden, NJ, was recognized for thoroughly explaining postoperative procedures to a patient. "We had additional questions and Samantha followed up with the doctor who performed the surgery," wrote a family member in their nomination. "She is bright, professional, and compassionate."

McCusker, of Wenonah, NJ, was nominated by the grateful mother of a patient undergoing chemotherapy: "Karen has made my daughter feel comfortable and loved. Her kindness makes my daughter forget about her cancer while she is here."

Patel, of Deptford, NJ, was nominated by a patient undergoing a blood transfusion: "I was scared, but Dipixaben explained everything in a way that I could understand. I developed trust and felt peaceful and safe through the procedure thanks to her. Dipixaben exemplifies what it means to be a nurse, and the world needs more people like her."

DAISY honorees are nominated by patients, visitors, family members, nurses, physicians, and other colleagues. Part of an international program, DAISY awards are bestowed to nurses who make a profound difference in the lives of patients and patients’ families.

The nonprofit DAISY Foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died in late 1999 from complications of an autoimmune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique way of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patients’ families. For more information, visit www.DAISYfoundation.org and www.JeffersonHealth.org.