Jen Carpenter is an exceptional nurse, a talented and innovative educator, and a steadfast friend and colleague. Her character and capabilities make her an
outstanding candidate for the DAISY Award recognition at Northwest Health Porter.

I have known Jen for a period of several years. She has always been a rock-solid presence on our unit and in our hospital. She fulfills multiple roles for our
facility. She is a top-notch educator, works on the floor as a staff nurse (and sometimes as a fill in Charge), and is a member of the Shared Governance
Committee (in the past serving as Chairperson). She has the admirable capability of putting people at ease, and her self-deprecating nature is both comforting and refreshing. She never takes herself too seriously and consequently, she puts people in a relaxed and confident frame of mind when she interacts with them. This makes her highly approachable, which turns out to be a huge benefit to both our staff and our patients.

Throughout the pandemic and in recent times when our leadership has gone through periods of transition, Jen rose to the occasion time again and again when it was most needed. There is a quote by Elizabeth Kubler Ross that goes like this: “People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” This statement suits Jen to a “T”. She is an incredibly positive person. She never has a bad word to say about a co-worker. She also understands the importance of recognizing people for their efforts and achievements and has often nominated for co-workers for a variety of different awards. This certainly helps to build up staff morale.

From my personal perspective as a Charge nurse, she is always there to support, problem-solve, and troubleshoot in a wide variety of situations. For example, she educates nurses regarding care of the open-heart surgery patients. She is invariably willing to jump right in and assist with a pacemaker
malfunction, chest tube maintenance, and answer questions regarding our TAVR patients (especially when this was a brand new program on our unit).

Additionally, Jen sets an excellent example for staff by doing things like earning her Master's Degree and pursuing and passing her AACN Certification
(while on maternity leave!). This outstanding approach to bettering herself is a huge inspiration to all of her co-workers.

Finally, her bedside nursing capabilities are exemplary. She is kind and compassionate, and her infectious laugh lifts the spirits of patients and staff alike. Often, when I am rounding on her patients, I will hear positive
comments about how Jen goes above and beyond in order to provide the best possible care.

I am proud and honored to submit her name in nomination for this prestigious award.