Extraordinary Nurse Recognized at Deaconess Illinois Crossroads Hospital

Dec 18, 2024

MOUNT VERNON, IL – Laynee Timmons of Deaconess Illinois Crossroads was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The DAISY Award is a prestigious recognition, part of the DAISY Foundation’s programs to acknowledge the exceptional efforts nurses perform every day.

Below is the submitted nomination:
“I had surgery at the Deaconess IL Crossroads Same Day Surgery department, performed by Dr. Papazian. From the moment I arrived, Laynee Timmons was incredibly kind and had a pleasant demeanor. I usually have a difficult time with IVs and require multiple attempts, but she managed to get it on the first try, which I greatly appreciated. She was compassionate and caring throughout my experience, making me feel comfortable and at ease during a stressful time. I am truly thankful for nurses like her who genuinely love their job, and it shows in the way they care for their patients. Laynee answered all my questions thoroughly, and her support made a significant difference. I would like to recognize her for going above and beyond in her role.”

The DAISY Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, was established in a unique and heartfelt manner. It was founded by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away at a young age due to a little-known auto-immune disease.  The exceptional care Patrick and his family received from nurses during his illness inspired the creation of the Foundation. Its mission is to express gratitude to nurses for the profound difference they make in the lives of their patients and families, a recognition that is often overlooked.

Said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, Doctor of Humane Letters (h.c) and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation, “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do.  The kind of work the nurses at Deaconess Illinois Crossroads are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”

Chief Nursing Officer Desiree R. Stumpf, MJ, BSN, RN, HACP, stated, “As the Chief Nursing Officer, I believe it is essential to honor nurses with the Daisy Award to recognize and celebrate their exceptional dedication, compassion, and commitment to providing high-quality patient care. By acknowledging and appreciating our nurses’ hard work and selfless service, we not only boost their morale and motivation but also inspire them to continue striving for excellence in their practice. The Daisy Award is a powerful reminder of nurses’ invaluable impact on the lives of their patients and their families. I am proud to support this important initiative. Seeing Laynee’s cheerful attitude and warm smile brightens my day. I agree with our patients; it’s clear that she loves being a nurse.”

For a complete listing of healthcare organizations currently running the program and more information about The DAISY Foundation, please visit http://DAISYfoundation.org.

In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 5,500 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nurses Advancing Health Equity, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, Lifetime Achievement in Nursing and through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects, Medical Mission Grants and their new Health Equity Grant programs. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.