Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System announced on Thursday that the newest DAISY Award winner is more than deserving of the recognition for this month, and not just because of her length of service.
Gayenelle Friesen started her career as a nurse in 1973. She has worked through the merging of two hospitals, several name changes, leadership changes and yet, her passion for serving patients remained consistent.
Known as the best to find a vein for an IV, she is as caring and genuine as they come.
The award, which recognizes extraordinary nurses who go above and beyond to provide exceptional patient care, is presented monthly to nurses across the country.
The DAISY Nursing Award is part of the DAISY Foundation, a non-profit organization established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 from complications of the autoimmune disease idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The foundation's mission is to honor the compassionate care that Barnes received from his nurses and to recognize the extraordinary work that nurses do every day.
Each month, a nurse will be selected by a committee of nurses at Hutchinson Regional to receive The DAISY Award. At a presentation given in front of the nurse’s colleagues, physicians, patients, and visitors, the honoree will receive a certificate commending him or her for being an “Extraordinary Nurse.” 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.
The DAISY Nursing Award is open to all licensed nurses, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse practitioners. Nominees are evaluated based on their commitment to patient care, clinical expertise, and interpersonal skills.
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