Coudersport, Pa., July 19, 2023 – Sara Drummond, RN, Intensive Care Unit at UPMC Cole, was recently recognized as a recipient of the DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses. 

Drummond was nominated by a patient who shared: 

“Sara went above and beyond to take care of me while I remained in A-fib. She came to me in a moment’s notice when needed, constantly made sure I was well, and got what I needed. She made sure to explain every medication I received and why. Sara really connected with me because I’m in school to become a nurse and she is a shining example of compassion and care.” 

The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 in California by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 from complications of an auto-immune disease. During his eight-week hospital stay, his family was impressed by the care and compassion his nurses provided, not only to him but to everyone in the family. They created the DAISY Award in his memory to recognize those nurses who make a big difference in the lives of so many people. 

UPMC is proud to be a DAISY Award partner. Nurses are nominated by patients, family members of patients, as well as other healthcare professionals. DAISY Awards are presented to nurses at UPMC in North Central Pa. monthly. Each DAISY Award Honoree is given a DAISY Award pin, a certificate of honor, and a stone sculpture entitled, A Healer’s Touch, handcrafted by a tribe in Zimbabwe. Anyone can nominate a nurse for the award including co-workers, patients, patient family members, or physicians. To nominate a nurse, visit UPMC.com/ThankaNurse.