Melissa Fitzsimmons, RN, left, received Goshen Health’s DAISY Award after being nominated by Dana Parciak, a patient who is also employed by the organization. The award honors nurses who provide compassionate, skillful nursing care. Photo provided by Goshen Health.

News Release

GOSHEN — Melissa Fitzsimmons, a registered nurse in Day Surgery at Goshen Hospital, received Goshen Health’s Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem Award. The DAISY award is part of an international program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day.

The nomination from patient Dana Parciak read “I arrived at Day Surgery to have a procedure. Melissa was so incredibly thorough and thoughtful. She made sure I fully understood what was going to happen. She had a great sense of humor which definitely calmed my nerves. She was very caring, and her skill level stood out to me…She provided the same level of care to me that I’m convinced she provides to all her patients. Many, many thanks, Melissa! The care you provided to me is something I will never forget.”

“It is an honor to have the DAISY Award presented to a colleague in Day Surgery. It did not surprise me one bit when Melissa was nominated as she truly offers exceptional care to every patient who comes through Day Surgery. Her positive energy is contagious!” said Jared Berkey, BSN, RN, CPAN, peri-anesthesia nurse manager.

To nominate a nurse at Goshen Health for the DAISY Award, go to GoshenHealth.com/About-Us/DAISY-Award. The DAISY Foundation, who promotes and distributes the awards, was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of the auto-immune disease ITP in 1999. During his hospitalization, they deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his entire family. When he died, they felt compelled to say “thank you” to nurses in a very public way. To learn more, visit DAISYFoundation.org