Our newest DAISY Award winner is Jennifer Oleksza

A program to recognize the care and compassion of extraordinary nurses continues at UHS with Jennifer Oleksza, RN, North Tower 4, UHS Wilson Medical Center, being named the July winner of the DAISY Award! Jennifer was recognized and presented with the award for the achievement and enjoyed cinnamon rolls, a symbolic treat in honor of Patrick Barnes, whose experience inspired the award.

Jennifer, a unit coordinator, was nominated by a colleague. In the nomination letter, her colleague wrote about how Jennifer is the heart of the unit, always holding her team together, offering support, and bringing a sense of calm and reassurance. The letter went on to talk about how Jennifer has gone above and beyond for the nominating colleague personally, always leaving the door open to talk and creating a space where they feel heard, valued, and supported.

“She truly cares about each member of this team. You can see it in the way she leads—with compassion, integrity, and genuine kindness," said the nominating colleague. "Her impact on this unit is immeasurable. She doesn’t just help manage the team—she inspires it."

Thank you to Jennifer for displaying such Compassion, Teamwork and Respect toward your colleagues, a stellar example of our team living "The UHS Way!"

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. The DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after the Seattle man died from complications of the auto-immune disease ITP in 1999. During his hospitalization, the family members deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his loved ones. When he died, they felt compelled to say thank you to nurses in a very public way. To learn more, visit DAISYFoundation.org. 

Started at UHS in April 2021, nurses are nominated by anyone in the organization - patients, family members, other nurses, physicians, other clinicians and staff - anyone who experiences or observes extraordinary care being provided by a nurse.

Nominations are submitted by using a form found on NYUHS.org. On this form, the person will be able to tell the story of why they are nominating the nurse while also choosing which UHS Value (Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, Innovation) the nurse displayed.

If you have any questions, please contact Toni Nash at (607) 763-6896 or send an email to daisy@nyuhs.org.