MIDDLEBURY— The UVM Health Network/Porter Medical Center announced this week the establishment of a recognition program to honor Porter nurses for outstanding patient care, an effort in collaboration with the national DAISY Foundation.
The nonprofit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, Calif., and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.
According to PMC Chief Nursing Officer Karen Beinhaur, the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses has been adopted by healthcare facilitiesaround the world to celebrate nurses for their extraordinary care and compassion.

“Nurses within our hospital, long-term care facility and our outpatient practices may be nominated by patients, families, and providers. They are chosen by a committee of community members and staff at Porter to receive The DAISY Award” she said.
The DAISY Award is presented four times annually, and each nominee receives a certificate commending them for being an “Extraordinary Nurse.” The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.”
Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, President and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation, said, “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super- human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Porter are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”

Beinhaur added: “Nurses are heroes every day and the launch of this program could not happen at a more opportune time. It is important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and the DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that.”