Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, NY, has announced its recipients of the DAISY and BEE Awards for February and March 2025. The DAISY Award recognizes exemplary nursing staff, while the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members at the hospital and outpatient clinics.
Allison Howard, a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department, received the DAISY Award for February. Heather Berry, a Registered Nurse in Surgical Services, was the DAISY Award recipient for March. Beth Hayes, a Radiologic Technologist, was honored with the BEE Award for February. Veronica Plaschka, a Central Sterilization Technician in Surgical Services, received the BEE Award for March.
Howard’s nomination came from a patient’s parent who appreciated her compassion and advocacy during the hospital stay. A colleague nominated Berry for her dedication to helping others and commitment to the nursing profession.
As DAISY Award recipients, Howard and Berry received certificates, a DAISY Award pin, and a sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” hand-carved by artists from the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture is installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary, honoring all DAISY and BEE Award winners.
Hayes was praised by a colleague for her patient care efforts, willingness to learn, and professional growth. Plaschka’s nomination came from a colleague who highlighted her behind-the-scenes work ensuring quality and patient safety through the cleansing of surgical instruments.
Both BEE awardees received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.
The awards will continue throughout the year, with nominations open from patients, families, or colleagues. For more information or to make a nomination, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
“In recognition, pictured here are Beth Hayes, Allison Howard, Heather Berry, and Veronica Plaschka, the February and March 2025 awardees.”
Samaritan Medical Center is a 290-bed not-for-profit community hospital, providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. The center serves both civilian and military communities with a focus on quality, compassion, and safety.
The DAISY Foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away in 1999. The organization recognizes extraordinary nurses across over 3,900 healthcare facilities globally. More about the Foundation’s work can be found at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.
