Cheri Brandt, an LPN at Columbine Commons Health and Rehab in Windsor since 2013, was honored on Thursday, January 25, with The DAISY Award. One of the team members who nominated Cheri wrote: “In honor of the DAISY Foundation's intent to recognize the skill, compassion, and care that nurses everywhere provide, Cheri is an exceptional colleague who has dedicated many years of her nursing career to the patients and residents of Columbine Health Systems. She is a compassionate caregiver, consistently demonstrating genuine interest in their health and well-being.”
Cheri’s interest in nursing goes back to when, as a 19-year-old, she and her sister began working as CNAs at a skilled nursing facility in their Nebraska hometown. In 1992, Cheri and her sister began attending nursing school, ultimately leading her to Colorado and Columbine Health Systems, which she has been a part of for over 14 years.
“Cheri’s compassion, authenticity, integrity, and commitment to quality care reflects the mission and vision of Columbine and the spirit of the DAISY Award,” said Cathy Franecki, Columbine Health Systems Director of Clinical Services. “We are truly honored and proud to have such quality caregivers serving our residents. Congratulations, Cheri!”
When asked what she loves about Columbine, Cheri stated, “I work for Columbine because they allow me to be myself.”
The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. The DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of the auto-immune disease ITP in 1999. During his hospitalization, they deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his entire family. When he died, they felt compelled to say “thank you” to nurses in a very public way. Want to Say Thank You to Your Nurse?