The most recent WhidbeyHealth DAISY Award recipient is Chris Carpenter, RN, case manager for hospice care. He serves patients on North Whidbey.

The DAISY Award is given at WhidbeyHealth bi-annually to a licensed practical nurse, registered nurse or advanced registered nurse practitioner who is nominated by colleagues or patients for extraordinary nursing care.

Carpenter started at home health about eight years ago, becoming one of the pioneer nurses in the early stages of WhidbeyHealth’s Hospice Care service line. He has been nominated for a DAISY Award a record eight times by both patient families and co-workers.

A familiar refrain heard about his work: “Compassionate, respectful and caring, supporting both patients and families through the journey at esaid hospital officials.

One colleague wrote about a time when he pitched in on his day off to help with everything from directions to patient care.

“I have no life,” Carpenter said jokingly.

According to DAISY Committee Chairwoman Gaila Palo, the DAISY values of compassion, respect, leadership, advocacy, patient-centered care and dedication were apparent in every nomination of Carpenter.

Carpenter was surprised with the award during a monthly staff meeting Dec. 6.

Hospital Commissioner Grethe Cammermeyer joined WhidbeyHealth CNO Lisa Sanford, representatives of the DAISY Foundation and multiple members of the DAISY Committee to honor him.

The DAISY Foundation was formed in November 1999, by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 of complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. The nursing care Patrick received when hospitalized profoundly touched his family.

n Nomination forms are available on the WhidbeyHealth website at www.whidbeyhealth.org/about/nominate-a-nurse/daisy-award-nomination-form.pdf/view