Tomah VAMC Presents DAISY and BEE Awards
Margaret Cina and Cheryl Barber
Marine Corps Veteran Krystyna Thomas shared her appreciation of the care provided by dedicated nursing professionals at the Tomah VA Medical Center by nominating two of them for recognition.
Margaret Cina and Cheryl Barber were awarded the DAISY and BEE awards respectively based on Thomas’ recommendations.
“Cina has been such an amazing nurse and it is easy to tell her commitment to Veterans is a top priority,” said Thomas. “Her commitment to me and being my advocate has not only been comforting but reassuring me that I am not just another patient.”
Cina, a Registered Nurse, has been with the Tomah VA for 16 months.
The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. The DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of the auto-immune disease ITP in 1999. When he died, they felt compelled to say “thank you” to nurses in a very public way.
The DAISY Foundation’s website highlighted Cina’s contribution to the medical center. Go to https://www.daisyfoundation.org/daisy-award/honorees/margaret-cina for more information.
Barber, affectionally called “Aunt Cheryl” by many on her community, is a Certified Nursing Assistant.
“She is always focused on what is best us and our success here and that is refreshing,” shared Thomas.
Natalie Hackbarth, Associate Chief Nurse of Mental Health presented both recipients with certificates and awards.
The BEE Award was created to recognize exceptional caregivers in non-licensed nursing roles. Based on the success of the DAISY Award program and its positive impact on the nursing profession, the Tomah VA Medical Center implemented a recognition program for Nursing Assistants, Health Technicians and Social Services Assistants.
For more information on the DAISY and BEE Awards contact Lana Wagenson at lana.wagenson@va.gov.
