Jessica Vasquez, RN, received the first Dardanelle Regional Medical Center DAISY award on February 5 thanks to her care and support to a family during a hospice situation.

The international DAISY award recognizes nurses who provide outstanding care and compassion for patients, co-workers, and hospital visitors. DAISY nominations are anonymous.

A Hartman resident, Jessica, works in the Acute Care Unit at Dardanelle Regional. Jessica has been a registered nurse at Dardanelle Regional for the past two years. She holds a Master of Science in nursing degree from the University of Central Arkansas at Conway and a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.

The nomination stated, "Jessica has gone above and beyond to make me and my grandmother as comfortable as possible. She has helped us every step of the way.”

The nomination added, "Jessica is the most respectful person I have met here. She explained what was going on and how they could assist us."

As a DAISY recipient, Jessica received a commemorative plaque and a hand carved sculpture known as the Healers Touch. Locally, she received flowers and cinnamon rolls.

The international DAISY award is a national nursing recognition program that honors J. Patrick Barnes, a patient who died from complications of an autoimmune disease in 1999. The DAISY Award was set up by Barnes’ family to publicly recognize nurses who show great compassion and provide exemplary care. Dardanelle Regional also participates in the BEE (Be Exceptional Everyday) award program for non-nurses. To nominate a nurse or non-nurse at Dardanelle Regional Medical Center for either award, visit: https://www.dardanelleregional.org/employee-recognition