Nurse in North Wing at Medina Memorial named DAISY award winner

Photos courtesy of Scott Robinson: Cassie Maynard (left), charge nurse on Medina Memorial Hospital’s North Wing, was selected as the first DAISY Award winner. Lisa McQueen, an LPN on the North Wing, was recognized as a finalist.

MEDINA – During the past year, Orleans Community Health announced its participation in a national program to recognize nurses who go above and beyond and make a profound difference in the lives of their patients.

On Wednesday, the first DAISY Award was presented to Cassie Maynard, charge nurse in the hospital’s North Wing. In addition, Lisa McQueen, LPN for the North Wing, also was recognized as a finalist.

Having only graduated from nursing school in 2021, Maynard is a relatively new registered nurse, but has assimilated very well into her leadership role on the North Wing Skilled Nursing Unit, said Thomas Bloomer, vice president of Human Resources and administrator for the North Wing.

“Within her first few months, she hit the ground running, quickly learning the position, building relationships with staff and residents, and proactively assuming the charge nurse duties,” Bloomer said. “Cassie exemplifies the DAISY Award mission by showing compassionate care to both our residents and families, as well as being respected by her team and coworkers. She shows a great work ethic, displaying excellent attendance, coming in early, staying late when needed and popping in during off hours to address resident care needs. Cassie is a valued member of our North Wing family and we are very proud to honor her with this exceptional award.”

Kimberly Gray, chief nursing officer, also praised Maynard for her compassionate approach, which has touched the lives of countless residents, providing comfort and healing during times of need.

“Her kindness, empathy and professionalism serve as an inspiration to everyone around her,” Gray said. “Cassie consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every resident receives the highest standard of care. Whether it’s holding a resident’s hand, advocating for their needs or lending a listening ear, she embodies the true spirit of nursing. Cassie truly makes a difference for our residents every day.”

Rebecca Mannella, director of nursing, added her praise for both Maynard and McQueen.

“I feel honored and blessed to work with such outstanding professionals,” Mannella said. “Both Cassie and Lisa are very deserving of this award, and they give 100 percent to the residents and North Wing team. Our community is a better place knowing we have such high quality nurses.”

“It is a great honor to receive this award,” Maynard said. “North Wing is my family. I have so much love for my residents and staff. I couldn’t be more thankful.”

Maynard joined Medina Memorial Hospital in February 2023.

“Lisa continues to be a valuable asset to our nursing team,” Bloomer said. “Her dedication to our residents and clinical expertise and compassion have a significant impact on our residents and their families. Lisa could always be counted on to be a great advocate for our residents, and she is a wonderful team player.”

McQueen said it was a great honor to accept her award.

“I try to achieve the highest level of care to all of my residents,” she said.

McQueen joined Medina Memorial Hospital in April 2018.

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Flen Ellen, Calif., and was established by family members of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 from a little-known auto-immune disease. The care he 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.

“These unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do,” said Bonnie Barnes, CEO and co-founder of the DAISY Foundation. “The kind of work the nurses throughout Orleans Community Health are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of the DAISY Award.”

Scott Robinson, director of marketing for Community Partners at Orleans Community Health, said the DAISY Award will become an annual presentation now.

“We’ll be launching the next call for nominations in the near future,” he said.

Members of the DAISY Committee who chose the award winner, Orleans Community Health personnel and winners posed on the North Wing Wednesday morning. From left are Orleans Community Health CEO Marc Shurtz; Christine Kropf, chair of the Daisy selection committee; winner Cassie Maynard; committee member Jennifer Morgan; finalist Lisa McQueen; committee member Leighann VanAuker; Director of Nursing Rebecca Mannella; and Tom Bloomer, vice president of human resources.