Healthcare professionals often stand at the forefront of compassion and care, exemplifying what it means to support patients through some of their most challenging moments. Recently, this dedication was spotlighted when two remarkable nurses, Ashley Way of UF Health St. Johns-Flagler Hospital and Lesley Degele from the Ward County State’s Attorney’s office, were honored with prestigious awards recognizing their commitment to extraordinary care and support.
Ashley Way was awarded the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses due to her exceptional clinical expertise and kindness. Working at the Emergency Care Center, she was nominated by a patient who praised her ability to attend to medical needs with both precision and genuine empathy. The award, which serves to honor nurses worldwide, recognizes their invaluable contributions to patient care and the emotional support they provide during challenging times.
Expressing her gratitude for this recognition, Way shared, "The long hours and challenging days away from my family have been filled with both hard work and rewarding moments. I can't envision doing anything else." Her sentiments were echoed by Michelle Paulo, the interim vice president of nursing at UF Health St. Johns, who noted Way's remarkable ability to instill feelings of safety and care among patients.
Receiving the DAISY Award not only entails recognition but also includes tangible rewards. Way received the “Healer’s Touch” stone carving, the DAISY winner’s pin, and other gifts, including a monetary bonus of $200. "I proudly wear this award in honor of his life and in recognition of the incredible nurses who have guided and taught me so much about nursing," she concluded, reflecting on the inspiration behind the DAISY Awards, established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who tragically passed away due to complications of an autoimmune disease. This award celebrates nurses across more than 5,000 healthcare facilities globally.
Meanwhile, Lesley Degele, working as a victims/witness coordinator at the Ward County State’s Attorney’s office, received the Eagle Award from the Minot Area Chamber EDC. Degele has made significant strides since joining the state's attorney’s office, where she originally started as a legal case clerk before taking on the role of victim/witness coordinator. Her nomination came as a heartfelt tribute from the victims she has assisted, highlighting her unwavering kindness and diligence throughout the legal process.
Degele began her transition to the coordinator role to directly impact the lives of crime victims, guiding them through the complex legal system. She stated, "The bottom line, I just wanted to help people. That’s all I want to do. I try to help people as much as I can every day." Her work involves educating victims about court proceedings, addressing their frustrations, and providing support during the lengthy legal process—often described as one where "justice rides a slow horse."
With heartfelt intent, she added, "This is my every day. It's not their every day. Some of those things are brand new to them, and there’s so many things to know." Her role often requires her to be not only a guide but also a source of compassion and reassurance. From her perspective, showing kindness and respect is fundamental, even for those who may not wish to engage with the office fully.
After receiving the Eagle Award, Degele was taken aback by the positive feedback she garnered from the community and individuals she assisted over the years. "I’m blown away because I just do the best I can and don’t expect anything back. It’s nice to be seen and to be heard, which, ironically, is all our victims want too," she remarked. This genuine desire to support victims through their traumas signifies the impact Degele has made and continues to make within her community.
The stories of both Way and Degele encompass the spirit of compassionate healthcare and advocacy. Their achievements remind us of the incredible influence healthcare professionals have on the lives of individuals and the broader community.
Such recognitions as the DAISY Award and the Eagle Award not only serve to honor these individuals but also encourage others within the healthcare framework to embody the same principles of compassion, empathy, and advocacy as they go about their work. The impact of nurses and victim advocates like Way and Degele can guide and heal those they work with, creating ripples of positive change throughout the community.
