UP Health System – Portage is proud to recognize Margaret Aho, RN, Emergency Department, as this quarter’s recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®. The DAISY Award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to honor the exceptional, compassionate care nurses provide to patients and families every day.

Aho's commitment to patient safety and advocacy left a lasting impact on a family during their stay.

"After my son received an epinephrine injection, the nurse came in, paused and told us she was intentionally taking her time with the discharge because patients are typically monitored for three to four hours after epinephrine due to the risks of a secondary reaction," said the nomination, which came from the patient's parent. The nomination went on to say, "She kindly asked if we were in a rush to leave and if I would be comfortable staying longer so she could continue to monitor him. I was relieved she brought it up because I had felt our stay was too short. Her thoughtful care and willingness to advocate for my son's safety gave me so much peace of mind. She truly went above and beyond, and I'm grateful she was our nurse."

"Compassionate, patient-focused care is a cornerstone of our mission here at UPHS – Portage. We're neighbors caring for neighbors," said Casey Baird, chief nursing officer at UPHS – Portage. "Margaret brings that level of professionalism to each day. We're lucky to have her."

UP Health System – Portage also extends recognition to all the extraordinary nurses nominated for the DAISY Award this quarter.

• Holly Stromer, RN  Perioperative Services
• Sarah Manninen, RN, Perioperative Services
• Janelle Johnson, RN, Perioperative Services
• Janette Pietila, RN, Perioperative Services
• Quinn Leroy, CRNA, Perioperative Services
• Carol Garnell, RN, Perioperative Services
• Heidi Hietala, RN, Family Birthing Center
• Gretchen Haapala, RN, Family Birthing Center
• Julie Hayrynen, RN, Family Birthing Center
• Daityn Bostwick, RN, Family Birthing Center
• Marissa Aho, RN Family Birthing Center
• Amanda Klein, RN, Family Birthing Center
• Ashley Chamberlain, CNM, Family Birthing Center
• Mary Fournier, RN, Family Birthing Center
• Jenae Meyette, RN, Family Birthing Center
• Callie Aittama, RN, Family Birthing Center
• Emily Massie, RN, Family Birthing Center
• Katrina Helminen, RN, Family Birthing Center
• Kristal Tatman, RN, Orthopedic Clinic
• Stephanie Fallon, RN, Internal Medicine Clinic
• Crystal Heider, RN, Med/Surg Unit
• Sam Haapala, RN, Emergency Department
• Fawn Vater, RN, Emergency Department
• Clara Pietila, RN, Emergency Department
• Danielle Hamlin, RN, Emergency Department

The DAISY Foundation was created in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died in 1999 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. The care Barnes and his family received from nurses during his illness inspired the foundation and its global effort to honor and thank nurses for their skill and compassion. (DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.)

Patients, families or colleagues may nominate nurses for the DAISY Award. Nominations are reviewed by a committee at UP Health System – Portage, and honorees are celebrated during a formal presentation attended by peers, leadership and family.

To nominate a nurse for the DAISY Award, visit our website. To learn more about the DAISY Foundation, go to www.daisyfoundation.org.