The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. Wilkes Medical Center recognizes one of its nurses with this special honor every quarter. Each honoree receives a banner, certificate, DAISY Award pin and a hand carved “A Healer’s Touch” stone sculpture.
McDaniel was nominated by a patient who said all the staff were wonderful, including Jena. As they described, McDaniel went above and beyond in helping understand discharge paperwork and instructions as well as explained what she was doing and even insisted on helping me when she was busy. The patient said they were thankful for everyone’s help.
When asked why she wanted to become a nurse, McDaniel said, “I pursed a career in healthcare after helping take care of my father during his terminal illness. My family and friends advocated for me to pursue this path because they saw my compassion in caring for him. My biggest joy in being a nurse is when I am able to help make a difference in a patient's life.”
“Jena is a strong patient and staff advocate,” said Brandy Edmiston, McDaniel’s manager. “She always goes above and beyond to provide excellent care for our patients. She is a great example of displaying our culture commitments. This is a wonderful, well-deserved honor.”
The next DAISY Award winner will be announced in October 2024.