Local nurse honored with DAISY Award

Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital recently honored Alexis Cardelli, RN, with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses “in recognition of her commitment and patient-centered approach to care.” The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day, according to an Aspirus press release.

“Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital DAISY Award recipients are nurses recognized for going above and beyond patient expectations by providing service with respect, compassion, and integrity; generating enthusiasm and energy while carrying out everyday duties and responsibilities; significantly making a difference and listening not only with ears but also with heart,” the release states.

Cardelli works in the Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital Wound Care Clinic and was nominated for the DAISY Award by a grateful family member of a patient. 

The nomination reads: “I am submitting this much deserved Daisy Award nomination to Alexis on behalf of my father. My father is the patient, and this submission are his sentiments with my wordsmithing to convey his and my appreciation of the great care Alexis continuously provides. I have dealt with ulcerations on both of my legs for the past 13 years without complete resolve. Alexis displays passion for me, my wounds, my mental anguish, and stress from constant pain that my wounds bring. She does this by being the best she can be as a deeply dedicated nurse! She naturally shows empathy by listening to my concerns with loving positivity and encouragement. Alexis deep seated love for her nursing profession is evident every appointment by focusing on my issues and being innovative by trying and tweaking my treatments to improve and accelerate the healing of my wounds. Not only is she innovative with the treatments but she also displays wonderful admirable attributes by listening and caring. She sets me at ease with my concerns and never-ending pain. Alexis performs wound care treatments based on what my body and wounds respond to. This is an ever-changing adjustment to my wound care. As a result, Alexis finds ways for my wounds to improve by becoming smaller and less painful. Which in turn gives me hope, encouragement and a positive outlook each and every appointment. Also, that there is light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. A ‘tunnel’ that is full of pain and anguish. I deeply feel emotional and physical relief when Alexis is attending to me.”

Along with the award, Cardelli and her co-workers were treated to cinnamon rolls which honor the memory of the late Patrick Barnes who once ate his father’s cinnamon roll when he was in the hospital without an appetite for food. He then requested one for the next day — and enough for all the nurses in the unit. The hope is that whenever a nurse smells that wonderful cinnamon aroma, they’ll stop for a minute and think of how special they are. Additionally, Cardelli received an honoree pin, certificate, a bouquet of daisies donated by Nature’s Riches, and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa. Established in 1999, the family of J. Patrick Barnes created the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award to honor his memory with a tribute to the skillful and compassionate care he received from his nurses during his hospitalization. Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, visitors and colleagues and they are chosen by a multi-disciplinary team to receive the DAISY Award.