​Carmen Graham Wins Inaugural International Daisy Award

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A nurse who has dedicated her career to taking care of others was surprised with a much deserved honor.

During Wartburg Senior Living and Healthcare's Salute to Nurses Reception in celebration of Nursing Week last month, Carmen Graham, LPN from the Skilled Nursing division was presented with the hospital's first ever International Daisy Award.

The Daisy Award was conceived to recognize nurses for going above and beyond to provide skillful and compassionate care to patients.

The award was first established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by his family after he died in 1999 after complications of an auto-immune disease. The family was so moved by the compassionate care that he received during his eight weeks in the hospital that they felt compelled to acknowledge the care that nurses provide.

"We are proud to be among the post-acute providers participating in The DAISY Award program," Wartburg CEO and President David Gentner said. "Nurses are heroes every day. It’s important that we recognize their work in this sector, and The DAISY Foundation provided another way for senior care and housing providers to do that.”

Nurses in the U.S. and in 31 other countries/territories throughout the world are eligible for the award.

During the ad hoc ceremony held inside Wartburg’s Acute Care Rehab Facility, Carmen was presented the award by Senior Nurse Executive, Carleen Evans.

"Carmen received three nominations for the DAISY Award," Evans said. "She is that special nurse you would want to take care of your loved one around the clock, if possible. This speaks to the extraordinary care she consistently provides to our residents regardless of their presenting conditions. Carmen, thank you for being present for all our residents. Congratulations."