UP Health System – Marquette Honors Jason Doney, RN, With the DAISY Award

UP Health System – Marquette is proud to recognize Jason Doney, RN, Intensive Care Unit, 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.

Doney’s dedication to patient-centered care and thoughtful, personal approach had a profound impact on both the patient and their family during a critical hospital stay.

“Jason went above and beyond with his level of care for my dad, Curt LeSage,” the family wrote. “Jason cared for my dad as more than just a patient and treated him as a friend throughout his care while in the ICU. He laughed and joked with my dad as often as possible, lightening the mood and letting him feel ‘normal’ during his time in the ICU. Jason shared stories they had from over the years, giving levity in an otherwise difficult situation.”

The family also highlighted Doney’s empathy and attention to emotional needs. “Jason knew the faith my mom had and shared a small token for her to carry while she was coping with the reality that this was the end. He cared beyond the patient. He communicated thoroughly and effectively with our whole family, answering questions patiently and with kindness, even if they were repeated.”

Even in the most challenging moments, Doney’s compassion shone through. “When hospice came to have a faith ceremony, Jason asked if he could join us and did. He joined wholeheartedly and cried along with our family. We knew we were saying goodbye, and Jason remained incredibly caring and professional throughout the process. We are so grateful to have had him in my dad’s final days.”

Through every act of care, big and small, Doney demonstrated empathy, professionalism, and a deep respect for his patients' dignity. His ability to create comfort and connection exemplifies the extraordinary compassion at the heart of nursing.

“Jason’s kindness and attentiveness reflect the very best of our profession,” said Meg McConnell, DPN, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer at UP Health System – Marquette. “He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure his patients receive not just excellent clinical care but genuine compassion and dignity. We are proud to honor him with the DAISY Award.”

Jason Doney, RN, signs the Daisy Award banner.

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

• Megan Carnaghi, RN, Neurology, Orthopedics and Pediatrics
• Jess Tennant, RN, Neurology, Orthopedic and Pediatrics
• Morganne Badgero, RN, Emergency Department
• Lisa Bonn, RN, Radiation and Oncology
• Lauren Angeli, RN, Family Birthing Center
• Jennifer Campbell, RN, Emergency Department
• Shalyn Hill, RN, Family Birthing Center
• Jenn West, RN, Oncology
• Olivia Flemming, RN, Family Birthing Center
• Cassidy Orr, RN, Family Birthing Center
• Valerie Choin, RN, NICU
• Kaylea Jarvi, RN, Family Birthing Center
• Jenna Hendrickson, RN, Family Birthing Center
• Carly Kangas, RN, Family Birthing Center
• Kent Bishop, RN, Recovery
• Heather Jafetson, RN, Neurology, Orthopedic and Pediatrics
• Alyssa Padden, RN, Emergency Department
• Stacy Vang, RN, and Leslie Johnson, CA, Medical/Surgical
• Courtney Roth, OT, 6th Floor Case Management
• Christina Hanson, RN, Cardiac
• Haleigh Bruckner, RN, Cardiac
• Sabrina Cox, RN, ICU
• Leanna Taylor, RN, NICU
• Nykole Fitzgibbon, RN, Cardiac
• Jamie Witt, RN, Cardiac
• Shannon Pace-Lacar, RN, NICU
• Kelsey Anderson, RN, Family Birthing Center
• Jordan Boyak, RN, Medical/Surgical

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.)

Jason Doney, RN, is pictured with some of the staff during the DAISY Award presentation
at UP Health System – Marquette.

Patients, families, or colleagues may nominate nurses for the DAISY Award. Nominations are reviewed by a committee at UP Health System – Marquette, and honorees are celebrated during a formal presentation attended by peers, leadership and family. Each DAISY Award recipient receives a certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a hand-carved sculpture titled A Healer’s Touch created by artists of the Shona tribe in Zimbabwe.

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