Reid’s DAISY Award recipient for June recognized for bridging communication, leading to meaningful difference

July 2, 2025 -- Diana Jenkinson, RN, on Reid Health's 4 East Progressive Care Unit (PCU), is the DAISY Award recipient for June for her exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to patient care.

Reid's program is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide patients and families every day.

Nominations can be submitted by patients, family members, colleagues, and community members. A committee of colleagues selects the recipient during a blind review process.

Jenkinson was nominated by Richmond resident Holly Lemar, whose 91-year-old mother, Nancy Hartman, received care as an inpatient on Reid's Progressive Care Unit.

Lemar said the care Jenkinson provided stood out.

Recognizing the seriousness of Hartman's condition and her inability to endure a long wait, her cardiologist initially arranged for direct admission through Reid's Emergency Department. However, because of a high patient volume and the unique admission process, it presented challenges in coordinating care between teams and left the family with questions about moving forward.

Over the next few days, nurses worked step by step to find answers. Lemar said because Hartman tends to worry, her anxiety increased, causing her heart rate to rise and adding to her discomfort.

Then Jenkinson came on shift. Lemar described her as persistent, politely assertive, and compassionate.

"She listened," Lemar said. "And she successfully led an interdisciplinary team to come together as a care team."

Jenkinson kept the patient and family informed, clearly explaining what had been done and what was still in progress. Lemar said this helped to reassure the family the factors contributing to her mother's condition were being addressed. Jenkinson's attentive care not only coordinated communication and ensured necessary tests were ordered but also addressed preventive needs to support Hartman's overall well-being. The family felt heard, supported, and cared for.

"That kind of care was healing," Lemar wrote in her nomination. "It helped my mom stop worrying and probably helped the rest of us, too. She was finally able to relax."

Jenkinson also impressed the family with her ability to adapt to her mother's communication style.

"She asked questions in a way my mom could understand and probed a little differently to get the answers she needed to provide the best care," Lemar said.

"Diana was patient, a great listener, a collaborative team member, and a true patient advocate. We were so appreciative of her care for our mom and Grammie!" -- Holly Lemar, Richmond community member

Misti Foust-Cofield, Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer, said Jenkinson listens, advocates, and goes the extra mile to care for her patients and their families.

"Diana is an example of the difference one nurse can make. We're so proud to have her as part of the Reid team," Foust-Cofield said.

Senior Director of Nursing Anna Osborn-Brown said Jenkinson's ability to connect with her patients and persist in advocating for their needs shows the powerful role nurses play in healing.

"Truly listening is a powerful skill," Osborn-Brown said. "When nurses understand their patients and form genuine connections with families, it creates trust, eases anxiety, and leads to better care. Diana's recognition with the DAISY Award reflects how impactful that kind of compassionate presence can be."

The DAISY Award is presented monthly in a surprise ceremony attended by the nominator, the honoree's colleagues, family members, and Reid Health leadership. Each recipient receives a certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a hand-carved sculpture known as "The Healer's Touch," symbolizing the meaningful difference nurses make in the lives of others.

Jenkinson said it's an honor to be nominated for the DAISY Award.

"Going above and beyond isn't always about grand gestures. It's about the small, consistent moments that make a lasting impact," Jenkinson said.

Jenkinson was grateful to her team and everyone who celebrated with her, thanking them for their encouragement, support, and daily inspiration.

"This award might have my name on it, but it belongs to all of us who pour our hearts into this work," she said.

The celebration was an unforgettable moment for Jenkinson as she was surrounded by team members, leadership, and the patient.

"It reminded me of why we do what we do — hard days or good days — it all becomes worth it when we know we've positively impacted someone's life," Jenkinson said.

Lemar, her mother, and family members attended the presentation. Lemar said it was an awesome experience to join the event with the 4 East unit and Reid team members from across the organization to celebrate, complete with the traditional cinnamon rolls.

As a nurse herself and current instructor at Ivy Tech Community College, Lemar — who has been nominated for a DAISY Award — found it especially meaningful to attend the event.

"My mom was so excited to see her again and let her know how much she appreciated her," Lemar said. "Her response to seeing Diana's family there when she was honored was great. I loved it."

Jenkinson lives in Union City, Ohio. She joined Reid in November 2015 and worked for Psychiatric Services and the Float Pool before joining PCU. In 2017, she was recognized as a Reid Ambassador of the Month when she worked as an LPN for the psychiatric unit.

About the DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day. The DAISY Award was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by members of his family after he passed away from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.

To nominate a nurse for a DAISY Award, visit https://www.reidhealth.org/daisy-award.