MENDOTA – As a partner in the international DAISY Award program that recognizes the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care of nurses, OSF HealthCare Saint Paul Medical Center recently awarded its 2020 DAISY Award to Denise Bickett.

Bickett, a registered nurse who works in the Emergency Department, received three different nominations from patients. “We truly appreciate the compassionate care that RNs perform every day and the DAISY Award is one way to recognize these dedicated individuals,” said Heather Bomstad, Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer for OSF HealthCare Saint Paul Medical Center.

One of the comments received about Bickett stated that she went above and beyond her nursing duties. Her nomination reads, “Denise took care of me in the ER. She is a very kind, caring, and professional nurse. Denise made me feel like I was her only patient. She kept me informed at everything taking place and told me what medications I was receiving and what to expect. She recognized my apprehensions and was reassuring.”

The DAISY Award program can be found in over 2,000 healthcare facilities in all 50 states and 14 other countries.

Attending the DAISY Award presentation are, left to right, Leonardo Lopez, MD, Chief Medical Officer; Denise Bickett, RN, 2020 DAISY Award Winner; Heather Bomstad, Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer; and Dawn Trompeter, President. (Photo contributed)

The Sunflower Award, a recognition program offered to non-nursing staff with OSF HealthCare, was given to Ashley Willoughby, phlebotomist, with the hospital’s laboratory department.

Willoughby was nominated for this award by a fellow Mission Partner and her nomination reads, “We had a patient that was withdrawn to all staff except Ashley. She spent a lot of time talking to the patient about her favorite TV show, playing games on her tablet, shared funny pictures and even had the patient teaching her sign language. The patient smiled and laughed. Ashley was able to calm her when she became anxious and was able to connect with her on a level that no one else could.”

OSF HealthCare encourages patients, family members, and fellow staff to recognize caregivers who have provided exceptional care and service by nominating them for an award to honor their dedication. For more information about the DAISY and Sunflower Awards, or to submit a nomination, visit https://www.osfhealthcare.org/saint-paul/guest/thank-caregiver/ .