Eileen Gleason-Donnelly, BSN, RN, CCRN, a staff nurse on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (4W), was honored on September 19 with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award, offered through the DAISY Foundation, is part of Jefferson Nursing’s efforts to recognize the amazing work done by our nurses every day.

Eileen consistently strives to make a positive difference for every patient she encounters.
A nursing colleague nominated Eileen and here is an excerpt from that special story:

“Eileen is a special nurse every day that she cares for patients here at Jefferson,” the nominator wrote. “However, there are times when Eileen goes above and beyond for her patients. Recently, we had a patient in our unit for a few months whom had previously been a very active man. In fact, he became ill while zip-lining in Panama, at the age of 90! Unbelievable I know. Eileen took it upon herself to help the patient to his wheelchair with monitor, oxygen tank, etc., in tow, and took him for a walk outside the Gibbon building at 6:00 a.m. We all know as nurses this is one of the busiest times of our shift.

“I truly think this was one of the only times this patient was truly happy. Eileen always goes the extra step with and for her patients. I am honored to work alongside such an awesome person and nurse, and I can think of no other nurse that deserves this award more for bringing a bit of brightness into this patient's life.”