Each month Phoebe recognizes a nurse for his or her extraordinary efforts at the bedside with the DAISY Award, a national program that recognizes nursing excellence. Often nursing leaders who supervise these outstanding nurses do not consider their roles as eligible for the DAISY award. However, it is evident that the environment created by nurse leaders is a strong factor in how direct care nurses take care of patients. In 2018, Phoebe started honoring and celebrating nurse managers with the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. The most recent award winner is Jennifer Jewell, Behavioral Health Nurse Manager, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.
 
Jennifer was nominated by her colleagues for her dedicated service and compassion she shows to patients and staff. Below are a few excerpts from her nomination:
 
“She recognizes and supports the ever-changing role of the nurse. She empowers and has never belittled the contribution that nurses make to our organization and values the voice of the nurse.”
 
“She cares about her staff and about this organization and this unit in particular.”
 
“She motivates nurses to be the best nurses they can be and use the best practice available to ensure patients get the best outcomes.”
 
“Jennifer takes the time to come and see our patients and staff when she’s on the floor, and she displays such empathy not only for the patients but also the staff.”
 
Nominations for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award were accepted across the Phoebe Putney Health System. The Nurse Leader Award is awarded twice a year. The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, 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. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.
 
At a presentation given in front of the nurse’s colleagues, physicians, patients, and visitors, the honoree receives a certificate commending her or him for being an "Extraordinary Nurse Leader."  The honoree will also be given a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.