Ashley Johnson, a registered nurse at Olympic Medical Center, recently received a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

The award, created by the DAISY Foundation, recognizes “the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care provided to patients and families every day,” OMC representatives say.

Johnson was recognized for her work as a nurse in the medical/surgical/pediatric department at Olympic Memorial Hospital in Port Angeles.

A patient nominated Johnson for the DAISY award, writing: “I would just like to say how much I appreciate the kind and wonderful care I received in particular from Nurse Ashley when I was in the hospital.

“She was the night shift nurse, and even though things were hectic and busy for her at times, she always came into my room to answer my many questions and concerns. She always treated me with respect and care that went above and well-beyond what was required.”

I wasn’t on my ‘A’ game, that’s for sure, when she was assisting me. I must have asked her at least 15 times about the Lispro/Humalog insulin. She was always very patient with me and explained everything over and over again as I asked questions. One of my questions was, ‘Is it possible to get a Humalog pen?’ She said ‘I don’t know, but I’ll look it up and find out for you.’ She looked it up right there on the computer in front of me … woo hoo. Yes it was possible. She said I could ask the doctor to prescribe it for me that way if I wanted. That was one of the best things she did for me … what a blessing.

“Another thing I loved about Ashley was she treated me with kindly care and respect. That’s something that comes from within. You just can’t fake that. And not all nurses are created equal. Ashley is exceptional in so many ways. She has a mindset to be of special help and service, and she’s a credit to her profession and to Olympic Memorial Hospital. I can’t say enough good about Ashley.”

Olympic Medical nurses may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. Each honoree receives a certificate commending her or him as 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.”

Honorees also receive a DAISY Award pin and a hand-carved sculpture called A Healer’s Touch.

A cross-functional committee of healthcare workers review the nominations and select the final nominee.

Go to olympicmedical.org/thank-a-nurse for more information or to nominate an extraordinary Olympic Medical Center nurse.

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by members of his family. Barnes died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of an auto-immune disease (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem).

“The care he and his family received from nurses while Barnes was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families,” foundation representatives said.

More information can be found at DAISYfoundation.org.