MercyOne Newton 2019 DAISY Award winner

Pamela Dougherty, registered nurse at MercyOne Newton Medical Center, was recognized for her kindness and helpfulness during the organization’s DAISY award ceremony May 7.

The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses was presented to Dougherty following a nomination from Linda Boddicker, daughter of Dougherty’s patient, Dolores Davis.

In the midst of a paperwork mix-up between the hospital and Davis’ nursing home, Dougherty went out of her way to get things straightened out.

“Pamela was so kind and helpful to our mom,” Linda wrote. “She has made our whole family feel special. We are very grateful for the care my mom received. We hope you find more people like Pamela, because she is great.”

Erica Groom, manager of care coordination, quality and risk management at MercyOne Newton, said Dougherty was one of a number of “outstanding” nurses nominated for this year’s DAISY Award. The other nurses recognized were Darrin Hansen, Jennifer Maki, Mary Robinson and Sara Wilmesmeier. Hospital president Laurie Conner spoke at the DAISY award ceremony, remarking on the appropriateness of the event being held during Nurses Week.

“Without nurses, we wouldn’t have this hospital,” Conner said. “Nurses are the foundation of what we do.”

The DAISY Award, presented in collaboration with The American Organization of Nurse Executives, is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

Nomination forms are available throughout MercyOne Newton, 204 N. Fourth Ave. E. The nominations are reviewed and award winners are selected on an annual basis by professional nursing representatives from various departments through the organization.