Photo submitted to the Times Observer From left are Melissa Turner, Miranda Black, and Kathryn Carlson, Warren General Hospital executive director of operations.

Miranda Black has been awarded the September DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse.

Black was nominated by Grace Cameron for going above and beyond.

“On March 28, 2024, my little boy, Cade, was brought into this world via cesarean section, which was unplanned.” Cameron wrote. “After a rather tumultuous pregnancy – gestational diabetes, higher blood pressure, and weekly sonograms – having this procedure was not part of my birth plan; however, Miranda was introduced as my nurse the first day I was admitted. Not only did she help explain everything to me that was going to be happening during my stay and in the delivery/operating room, but she went with me and held my hand the entire time during the procedure. Not once did I feel alone or afraid because Miranda, being calm, compassionate, and knowledgeable, supported us throughout my time in the operating room and during my postpartum care in maternity. I am beyond grateful for her thoughtful and selfless care in a world where going above and beyond is not something that always occurs, any maternity patient would be lucky to have Miranda as a nurse. She does, in fact, go way above and beyond for her patients. I, and my son, am witness to that.”

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 Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Puerperal (ITP), a little-known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired the foundation’s effort to thank nurses.

Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. The award recipient is chosen by a committee at Warren General Hospital to receive The DAISY Award. Awards are presented throughout the year at celebrations attended by the honoree’s colleagues, patients, and visitors. Each Honoree receives a certificate commending her or him as an extraordinary nurse. Honorees also receive a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.

“We are proud to be among the healthcare organizations participating in The DAISY Award program,” said Joe Akif, Warren General Hospital chief nursing officer. “Nurses are heroes every day. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that.”