From left are Char Fohrd, winner of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse, Melissa Turner, Joe Akif, Warren General Hospital COO/CNO, and Richard Allen, hospital CEO.

Jaylin Mead had a wonderful partner when she was delivering her first child – her labor and delivery nurse.

For her efforts, Char Fohrd has been honored as the 17th DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse by the DAISY Foundation.

Fohrd works in the Maternity Unit at Warren General Hospital.

Mead nominated Fohrd for the award, saying the last week of her pregnancy was a difficult time made easier by Fohrd’s presence. High blood pressure required Mead to be monitored, with Fohrd the attending nurse during that time. When Mead had to be induced, Fohrd was again Mead’s attending nurse.

“Every question and concern I had, as a new mother, was quickly relieved with her knowledge and compassion. She never once hesitated to make sure I was comfortable with the answers I received. When it came down to labor and delivery, I couldn’t have done it without her. She was so calm and encouraging through every contraction. Even when I didn’t think I could go anymore she gave me the motivation to continue. She stayed past her shift to help with the delivery of my baby girl. I firmly believe everyone has a place in this world and her place is maternity. Her kindness, compassion, and knowledge are exactly what this maternity ward needs. I will forever be grateful for her care during my stay at this hospital. She made what I thought, at the time, the most painful thing I’ve gone through, into the best experience. She was meant to love and care for mothers and their baby’s. Before she left from her shift, I could not thank her enough for being there for me.”

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, a little-known but not uncommon auto-immune disease.

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.” 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 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 Akiff, 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.”