News Taffy

NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital recently recognized Joyce Lemieux, BSN, RN, with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, which is given in appreciation of the work nurses do.

Lemieux was nominated by a patient who stayed at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital for an extended amount of time and witnessed first-hand the extraordinary care and thoughtful nature of Lemieux, stating in the nomination that she is so deserving of the award and recognition of the care she provides to each of her patients.

Each quarter, NEA Baptist’s nursing administrators accept nominations and select a nurse to receive the DAISY Award. At a presentation in front of colleagues, physicians, patients and visitors, the honoree receives a certificate and a sculpture called A Healer's Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.

"This particular patient described her as someone that has shown compassion and caring above and beyond what is expected of her, and we all agree,” said Paula Grimes, chief nursing officer for NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital.  "Joyce keeps service the top priority, and the detailed testimonial provided by this patient showcases the compassionate care she provides for each and every patient."

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, Calif., and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Barnes died at 33 in late 1999 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, an auto-immune disease. The extraordinary care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill led to the creation of the DAISY Award. The program gives health care providers, patients and community members the opportunity to recognize the hard work of nurses across the country.

NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital is a 192-bed acute care facility in Jonesboro and is affiliated with Baptist Health Care Corporation of Memphis, TN.  NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital offers heart care through its Heart Center, labor and delivery services through the hospital’s Women’s Center and cancer care through the Fowler Family Center for Cancer Care. The hospital also offers a number of inpatient and outpatient services, emergency care, and surgical services including weight loss surgery, neurology, respiratory care, and pulmonary rehabilitation. For more information about NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital, please call 870-936-1000 or visit www.neabaptist.com.