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."

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.