Extraordinary Nurse Recognized at Mon Health Medical Center

L-R: Krystal Atkinson, DNP, RN, CNOR, Chief Nursing Executive of Mon Health System; Farrah Rash, RN, Family Birth Center, The DAISY Award Winner; Abby Butler, MSN, RNC-OB, Director of Nursing, Women's Services

Farrah Rash, RN, of Mon Health Medical Center was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. Awarded to nurses quarterly at Mon Health Medical Center, The DAISY Award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. 

Farrah was nominated for the DAISY Award several times by her patients. Some of the nominators wrote:

“There are not enough words to express my gratitude towards Farrah. She was our night nurse our entire stay. First, she helped me with recovery after labor. She remained professional while explaining everything in terms I understood while in a very vulnerable state. It is clear the respect her peers have for her as well. I feel confident going into motherhood because of her support during this time.” 

“After my labor, I wanted to shower. My husband had to leave to be with my toddler and my newborn was asleep. The shower felt good, but I almost passed out from bleeding. Farrah literally talked me out of passing out and held my hand and wiped my blood. I was missing my mother very much and that moment, Farrah was there for me. She went above and beyond to comfort me. I nominate her for being a motherly presence in the labor ward when women don’t have their family around due to COVID.” 

“I felt extremely comfortable with Farrah from the moment she introduced herself and that comfort only grew as our stay progressed. She was diligent in my post-surgery care, the care of our new baby, and even checked on my partner to make sure he was comfortable as well. She was kind, compassionate, funny, and honest throughout our short stay and I fully believe that we left the hospital in better spirits than we would if she hadn’t been part of our experience.”

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family 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 families. 

“When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night,” said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, CEO and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation. “Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Mon Health Medical Center are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.” 

Farrah is a Registered Nurse at the Family Birth Center and has worked for Mon Health Medical Center since 2012. Farrah has two daughters, Abigail and Amelia, and enjoys her family, her church, and her dogs. 

“I am so honored to be a recipient of the DAISY Award and couldn’t do what I do without the help of my wonderful coworkers,” Farrah said. “I truly have a passion for what I do, and my patients make this job so special. I couldn’t be more thankful for the experiences I have had at Mon Health.” 

“We are thrilled to have Farrah represent the Family Birth Center and Mon Health Medical Center as our second recipient of this prestigious International Nursing Award,” said Krystal Atkinson, Chief Nursing Executive at Mon Health System. “Throughout COVID-19, our nurses in each department, including the Family Birth Center, have had to adjust to the ‘new normal’ to continue providing compassionate and dedicated care to our patients. Farrah is an incredible example of what it means to feel the difference at Mon Health.”

Nurses can be nominated by anyone who has been affected by their care – patients, family members, other nurses, physicians, other clinicians, and staff – anyone who has experienced or observed extraordinary, compassionate care being provided by a nurse. Say thank you to a nurse and nominate the for the DAISY Award by visiting MonHealth.com/DAISY. To learn more about the DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses, visit https://DAISYFoundation.org.