GOUVERNEUR -- A Gouverneur Hospital registered nurse was recently honored as the recipient of the 2024 DAISY Award ® for the heart-felt care she provides and demonstrates each day in her job.

Gouverneur Hospital in-patient nurse Maureen “Reen” Woods, RN, was recently honored by peers, directors, and administration to congratulate her on being chosen for this coveted award.

The DAISY Award® is a special honor given to extraordinary nurses for the compassionate contributions they make every day going above and beyond expectations in science and sensitivity. The award was created to give patients and families a way to express their gratitude to nurses for providing compassionate care to their patients and loved ones.

Among the accolades given to RN Woods was this statement shared by one of her patients, “Reen was my nurse in detox. She talked to me like I wasn't a patient, but rather a family member of her own. She made me feel safe and helped me have a smooth detox. I know she was very busy but she came in many times, offered help, offered a shoulder to cry on, and made me feel like I could do this.

“Nurses do not always have extra time when they are so busy, but Reen gave me so much of hers. She gave me hope that I can get through this hard time. Reen was so kind and caring, and is an amazing nurse. I will never forget Reen,” the patient said.

Gouverneur Hospital Associate Chief Operating Officer/Vice President of Nursing Christina Latta described Ms. Woods as a mentor to all staff members. “Reen treats her patients with respect and compassion every day. She supports her team in any way she can, no matter the need, she will always ask who she can assist throughout her shift. She may bring up something that should be addressed, but she does not stop there, she will also offer possible solutions,” Ms. Latta said.

“Reen is very deserving of this exemplary award, and we are so very proud and lucky that she is part of our team. She takes new nurses under her wing to share her knowledge, and conveys her work ethic with them in hopes they, too, will be exemplary nurses,” she added.

Learn how to nominate a St. Lawrence Health nurse for the Daisy Award by visiting https://www.stlawrencehealthsystem.org/nursing.