Contributed Article/Courtesy San Carlos Apache Nation
PERIDOT – The San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation (SCAHC) recently hosted its 3rd annual DAISY and POPPY Award Ceremony. At the event, Chief Nursing Officer at SCAHC, Dr. Lapriel Dia, recognized two outstanding nursing staff members who exemplify professionalism and compassionate care for patients. Jamie Jensen, RN, was awarded the DAISY Award, and Karena Johnson, CNA, received the POPPY Award.
“Winners of our DAISY and POPPY awards were selected for the passion they have in the field of nursing and their exceptional level of compassion for our patients,” said Victoria Began, CEO of SCAHC. “These individuals embody San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation’s mission, vision, and values, going above and beyond every day for our community.”
The DAISY Award—which stands for Disease Attacking the Immune System—was established by the DAISY Foundation in 1999 to honor exceptional nurses. This year’s winner, Jamie Jensen, was nominated by one of her patients who described her as a down-to-earth person who supports and encourages patients and colleagues. Jensen has worked as a nurse for more than a decade, initially as an ED nurse. She joined SCAHC in 2022 as a certified wound nurse in the Wound and Podiatry Clinic. Last year, she transitioned to women’s services to expand her nursing knowledge.
Exceptional clinical support staff are eligible to win the POPPY Award, which stands for Providing Outstanding and Passionate Patient-care Year-round. This year’s winner, Karena Johnson, is a Certified Nursing Assistant and member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. She joined SCAHC in 2023 and has been working in Inpatient Services for the past two years. She was nominated by a colleague who praised her ability not only to provide outstanding care but to give each patient a sense of belonging. In the nomination statement, Johnson’s colleague noted that her fluency in Apache allows her, “to connect deeply with patients from the community, making them feel valued and understood.”
Nominations for each award were submitted by patients, family members, and colleagues. SCAHC’s nursing leadership team and the Denzhone Harvest Committee, led by Kristina Attaway and Brian Bainbridge, conducted a blind review of all nominations utilizing a standardized scoring system. Winners received a statue of appreciation and a banner in their home unit as a form of recognition and celebration.
