Towards the end of the celebratory week, radiation oncology nurse Mariellen Smith received an extra-special honor: a group of colleagues surprised her as she came around a corner to let her know that she had been chosen as the 5th recipient of the DAISY Award at Fox Chase. Among the group that surprised Smith were Chief Nursing Officer Anne Jadwin, RN, MSN, AOCN, NE-BC and Eric Horwitz, MD, Chair of Radiation Oncology.

Capping off Nurses' Week isn't the only reason Smith's award was special; she is the first DAISY recipient to receive multiple nominations, submitted independently, one from a colleague and two from patients. "She often goes the extra mile to see that patients get the best care possible," colleague Kathy Labor said of Smith. "Her patients know she is always accessible to them and she explains every step of the process so they are comfortable with their care in the department."

Patients' comments echo Labor's assessment: "She makes an unpleasant experience not so bad at all and I am deeply grateful for her professionalism and humanity," one patient wrote in his nomination.

Another patient reported that Smith improved his outlook throughout his cancer experience. "She is representative of the entire Fox Chase staff and has contributed to my sense of well-being and hope from diagnosis to final treatment," he wrote.

Mariellen is often cited by name in Press Ganey surveys. She has been providing top-level care at Fox Chase since 1982.