ST. JOHNS, MI – A Sparrow Clinton Hospital nurse was honored with the DAISY Award for her compassion and willingness to take time to truly listen to her patient.

Surgical Services Nurse Jessalyn Cooper, RN, was named a DAISY honoree after receiving a heartfelt nomination from a patient who said Cooper took time to listen, “calmed my nerves, and answered all my questions.” It was a busy surgical day, but Cooper “cared to listen to me rattle on and on.”

“Jessalyn didn’t only ‘check the boxes’ in her assignment to ensure this patient was prepared for her surgery, she listened. She recognized a need in the patient and took time to meet that need. L.J. Isham said, ‘Listening is an attitude of the heart, a genuine desire to be with another which both attracts and heals.’ Nursing is definitely an attitude of the heart with a desire to heal… and Jessalyn exhibits this every day,” said Lea Curtiss, BSN, RN, Surgical Services Manager at Sparrow Clinton Hospital.

The DAISY Award is an international program established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes. Created in Pat’s memory, The Foundation is dedicated to recognizing extraordinary nurses for the enormous difference they make in the lives of their patients every day.

Nurses are nominated by their patients and patients’ families. To learn more about the award, visit Sparrow.org/Daisy.

Photos courtesy of Sparrow Health System