The Community Hospice is celebrating DAISY Awardee Rosemary Murray, RN, and Sunflower Awardee Penny Singley, aide tech. Both were nominated by Laura Austin, whose husband passed on hospice care.
Laura says Rosemary, who she calls “Rosie,” was a delight and bonded with her husband Jim through “laughter, the best medicine.” She says that made her relax instantly, and with their weekly chats about the care, Laura says she grew to realize that Rosie was there for both of them. “Rosie had an amazing gift and set of skills. She gained my total respect, love and gratitude for leading us through our difficult journey.”
When Penny visited, Laura says she was amazed how Penny got Jim up and headed towards the bathroom “as if out for a casual stroll.” She recalls that shortly after, Jim was overheard saying, “I’m in the shower and there is a woman here who is not my wife.” Laura and Rosemary, who were discussing the care, both burst out laughing. “Week after week, Penny came to perform her magic,” says Laura. “We were blessed. Never have we ever had a Penny so priceless.”
Congratulations to Rosemary and Penny!
For more than 20 years, The DAISY Foundation has been recognizing the compassion and skill direct care nurses bring to their patients every day. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 of complications from Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, created the DAISY Award to honor his memory and recognize the healing work of the nurses who had cared for him and continue to care for patients everywhere.
The Community Hospice is one of more than 2,000 health care facilities and programs across the world, committed to honoring nurses with the DAISY Award.
The Sunflower Award for Extraordinary Nursing Support Staff was created to celebrate the devotion, strength and compassionate care given by nursing support staff to patients, families, and staff. The sunflower was chosen as the award theme because the sun symbolizes warmth and strength, and the flower represents devotion, compassion and enthusiasm.
