Michele O’Brien, RN, director of nursing at Eddy SeniorCare/Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), recently received a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in recognition of her compassionate and patient-centered approach to the care of the senior population.
The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the contributions nurses make every day in the care of patients. The award at Eddy SeniorCare/PACE, which is a part of St. Peter’s Health Partners, is co-sponsored by Trinity Health PACE.
“Michele is ALWAYS the first to lend a hand to those in need,” said Bernadette Hallam, executive director of Eddy SeniorCare/PACE in Schenectady County. “Whether it is assisting with a participant, running out to change a dressing, or another need, Michele is there for her staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week – rain, sleet, or snow.”
DAISY Award nominations are submitted by patients, their families, and colleagues. Winners are chosen by a committee of nurses at Trinity Health PACE. Awards are given throughout the year, and presented at an event in front of the nurse’s colleagues, physicians, patients, and visitors.
Each award winner receives a certificate, with a commendation for being an “extraordinary nurse,” and a citation that reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” Winners also receive a sculpture titled A Healer’s Touch, which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.
The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, California, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
Eddy SeniorCare is a unique health management program designed to help frail elderly adults live independently in their community, manage their medical conditions and avoid nursing home placement.
To be eligible, Individuals must be 55 years of age or older; qualify for nursing home level of care; qualify for long-term care services for more than 120 days; and live within Schenectady County or certain Albany County zip codes.
To learn more about EddySeniorCare/PACE, please click here or call 518-382-3290.
