Credit: Wartburg Senior Living and Healthcare

A New York nursing home worker was honored for her “extraordinary care” with an international award that recognizes outstanding work in the healthcare profession. 

Carmen Graham, a licensed practical nurse in the skilled nursing division at Wartburg Senior Living and Healthcare in Mount Vernon, NY, was surprised with the Daisy Award — the first ever in the provider’s history. 

The Daisy Award, which was first established in 1999, is a partnership with healthcare organizations to provide ongoing recognition of the compassion nurses provide to patients and families year round. 

The program currently works with more than 5,000 healthcare facilities and nursing schools in all 50 states, and also in 33 other countries and territories. 

Graham was nominated by three colleagues who called her a “special nurse” that wants to take care of residents “around the clock.” 

“This speaks to the extraordinary care she consistently provides to our residents regardless of their presenting conditions,” said Carleen Evans, RN, senior nurse executive at Wartburg Senior Living and Healthcare. Evans also presented the award to Graham during a May ceremony. 

“Thank you for being present for all our residents,” Evans added. 

Wartburg’s administrator Bridget Zimmermann credited Graham for embodying leadership in nursing care. She added, “She fosters a nurturing environment, is a leader in clinical practice and a mentor for her peers.”

Families of residents also showed their appreciation. 

“You took care of my dad before he passed away! My family and I are so grateful to God for allowing you to be his nurse,” Cherie-ann Reynolds wrote in a social media post.

“The care you provided was the embodiment of nursing excellence!” she added. “I am thrilled that you are receiving this prestigious award.”