Crystal Fiegenschuh, a registered nurse in the CGH Critical Care Unit, was recently recognized as a recipient of the prestigious DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses. An international program, the award is presented to nurses around the world who go above and beyond for their patients and demonstrate extraordinary compassionate care.
“My husband has always hated – therefore avoided – anything to do with doctors and hospitals until he became critically ill and was admitted to the CCU in September 2024,” said Megan Hummel, RN, DAISY Award Coordinator, as she read the award nomination. “Since English is his second language, he can become frustrated with all the questions if not given time to respond.
The angel, Crystal, changed all that for him and for me during his stay. She was able to make a connection with him and gave him attentive, kind, very thorough care. He cannot stop praising her, even after one week of discharge. Crystal is a Godsend for patients like my husband, and she kept me informed as well. Thank you is not enough. Thanks to all the nurses like Crystal, he will willingly return for the care he needs in the future.”
The DAISY Award – an acronym for “Diseases Attacking the Immune System” – was established by the DAISY Foundation in California in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 of an autoimmune disease. During his hospitalization, they deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his entire family. When he died, they felt compelled to say “thank you” to nurses in a very public way. The DAISY Award continues to recognize and celebrate the outstanding professionalism and compassion that nurses bring to patients and their families every day.
If you would like to submit a nomination for extraordinary nursing care that you, a family member, or a patient have received at CGH Medical Center, please visit www.cghmc.com/daisy.
