MT. VERNON, IL — Patty Robertson, RN – Inpatient Rehabilitation, with SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital – Mt. Vernon, was recently honored with the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award for extraordinary nursing.

The DAISY Lifetime Achievement award recognizes nurses who have devoted their lives and careers to the compassionate care of others. Nurses are nominated by their colleagues for their life-long dedication to compassion in nursing through active mentoring, role modeling, advocating for their patients and promoting the positive image of nursing.

The criteria for The DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award was developed by Daisy Coordinators across SSM Health. To be considered for the award, the nominees must have 25+ years of service, a distinguished career in nursing, a special concern for those who are underserved and marginalized and be instrumental in implementing the mission of SSM Health with their team.

Robertson’s colleagues share that she is a DAISY nurse deep in her soul, her nominations were filled with examples of her passion for the profession.

“Patty has been an outstanding nurse and loyal employee for many years.”

“Patty is always willing to lend a hand to her colleagues by working extra shifts when needed and is an excellent resource for newer nurses on the unit.”

“When I started my career at Good Samaritan as a young inexperienced RN, Patty was one of the few nurses who treated me like a part of the team right away. She is dependable, stable, and follows policies and procedures. She will be retiring next year, and she will be missed by everyone.”

Dr. Marc Sabatino shared, “Patty understands the concept of presence. She knows that a patient might forget your name, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel! She always treats coworkers and patients with respect, love, and professionalism. I have had the privilege to work alongside Patty and observe her nurturing persona as she cared for all who crossed her path. She will truly be missed when she retires.”

When asked what the award meant to her, Robertson said it that it was truly humbling. “If everyone would treat others like they wanted to be treated it would be a much better world.”

The DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award nominations give staff and leadership a way to express their gratitude and recognize legacies that have sustained and shaped the heritage of nursing. Each honoree receives an award certificate, a DAISY lapel pin, and a unique Healer’s Touch sculpture on a pedestal with a personalized plaque attached.

Locally the DAISY Award is sponsored by SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation. The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33; the care Patrick received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. DAISY stands for diseases attacking the immune system. Learn more about the DAISY Award at www.daisyfoundation.org.