Fisher-Titus nurses, staff honored with national, internal awards

NORWALK — Fisher-Titus recently honored several employees for their work in patient care, presenting its quarterly DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses and introducing a new recognition for non-nursing staff, according to a news release. Jayla Lepley, a staff nurse in the Medical-Surgical Department, received the latest DAISY Award. The national program, created by the California-based DAISY Foundation, recognizes nurses whose clinical skill and compassion have a lasting effect on patients and families. The foundation was established in 1999 in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died from complications of an autoimmune disease. The award's name stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. Lepley was nominated after identifying concerning changes in a patient's vital signs and remaining calm while securing urgent medical attention, according to hospital officials. The hospital presents the DAISY Award each quarter. Because of a high number of nominations this cycle, two additional nurses were recognized as runners-up: Jacob Wagner, a staff nurse in the Intensive Care Unit, and Becca Tripp, a staff nurse in the Senior Services Department. "We are proud to partner with DAISY, as Fisher-Titus is home to extraordinary nurses who are dedicated to outstanding patient care," said chief nursing officer Katie Chieda. In addition to the nursing honor, Fisher-Titus presented its first Highly Influential Valuable Employee (HIVE) Award to Teresa Lakner, a point-of-care technician clerical specialist in Surgical Prep & Recovery. Hospital officials said the HIVE Award recognizes non-nursing staff members who go above and beyond in supporting patient care and strengthening teamwork. Lakner was nominated for showing consistent positivity and compassion toward a patient who regularly undergoes stressful procedures. A portion of the nomination read: "Teresa is an excellent, caring, compassionate employee and, in my opinion, especially deserving of this award." "Just like a hive thrives through the dedication and collaboration of every bee, Fisher-Titus flourishes because of the commitment, compassion and excellence of our staff," said Stacy Daniel, director of clinical programs. "The HIVE Award is our way of saying thank you and ensuring these contributions are seen, celebrated and valued." The DAISY Award program operates in thousands of healthcare facilities worldwide and relies on nominations from patients, families and colleagues to recognize exceptional nursing care.