Finger Lakes Health honored Ashlynn Guarnari, RN, who works in the Intensive Care Unit at Geneva General Hospital, with “The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®.”
“I wanted to nominate Ashlynn because she went well above and beyond what was necessary. Day after day I was pretty helpless in bed and she not only took care of me medically but she would help me feel better emotionally as well, always taking a few minutes to talk and cheer me up when I was at my worst. She would come almost instantly if I rang the nurse, and always had a smile on her face. It was easy to see she loves her job, and she knew that I needed cheering up as well as medical attention. She also took the time to explain what I did not understand, and I really felt like I would be ok after talking with her. I should have died and I truly believe she was a big part of me pulling through,” – ICU Patient, Chad Gilbert.
Ashlynn is a life-long learner. She began her career at Finger Lakes Health as a Housekeeper and then became an Aide. She graduated from Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing & Health Sciences and became a Registered Nurse. Ashlynn is currently finishing her degree to become a Nurse Practitioner.
Established by The DAISY Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family, this award recognizes nurses who have had a profound impact on the lives of their patients and patient families. Patrick died at age 33 in 1999 from complications from Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little-known but not uncommon autoimmune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System). The care Patrick received from the nurses at his bedside inspired this award.
If you have received extraordinary care by a nurse, or are a family member of someone who has been treated with great care, and would like to nominate her or him please visit:
http://www.daisynomination.org/0010g00001dcZE0AAM
Nomination boxes are also located throughout Geneva General Hospital and Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital.
Each honoree receives a certificate commending her or him as an "Extraordinary Nurse." The certificate reads: "In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people." Honorees also receive a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. At each DAISY Award celebration, delicious cinnamon rolls are served, as this was Patrick’s favorite treat and one of the few foods he could eat.