UHS nurses recognized at annual breakfast

Three outstanding UHS nurses were honored May 8 at an annual event that celebrates nursing practice and the Honored Nurses of 2025.

The Professional Nurses Association of South Central New York (PNASCNY) held its 40th annual Nurses Day Breakfast in Binghamton. At the event, UHS registered nurses Mark Rando, Praescilla Daquin and Dawn Wage received special recognition by the association.

Each year the PNA honors the nursing profession and local RNs by presenting awards to exceptional professionals in the field.  The following awards were given to RNs who work at UHS Hospitals:

Mark Rando, RN, K3, is the recipient of the Nursing Practice Award. This award recognizes a member who demonstrates outstanding performance in the practice of nursing, acknowledging the essential contributions that nurses across the continuum make to the healthcare of our community. 

Praescilla Daquin, RN, NT2, is the recipient of the Aspiring Professional Nurse Award, which recognizes a member who is in their first two years of practice and is mastering the knowledge and know-how of the field.  This individual has integrated learning and has applied it to their practice over the past two years, gaining experience is the prerequisite to becoming an eventual expert. This professional RN is a change agent and seeks to improve the profession of nursing with innovative and progressive ideas.  They are the future of nursing. 

Dawn Wage, RN, Stroke Program Coordinator, is the recipient of the Nurse Advocacy Award. The award is given to any nurse who advocates for the healthcare field. Nurses instinctively advocate for their patients, in their workplaces and in their communities. The American Nurses Association maintains that advocacy is the pillar of nursing.  

In addition to the individual recognitions, the annual breakfast is an opportunity for nurses from the region to network and celebrate their profession.