Duke Raleigh Hospital

Nursing staff at Duke Raleigh Hospital were honored at a ceremony Thursday for their commitment to giving exceptional care.

Two nurses, Sara Rayner, RN, and Jonathan McGee, RN, were honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing, an international program that rewards and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day.

“This is a special honor recognizing the skill our nurses have at touching the lives of patients and their loved ones,” said Priscilla Ramseur, Duke Raleigh Hospital’s Chief Nursing & Patient Care Services Officer. “Whether it is providing a listening ear during someone’s deepest hour to simply helping a patient drink some morning coffee, the nurses recognized this quarter have a gift for understanding how to positively affect patient well-being.”

By her nominators, Rayner was called a “bright light” during the night shift who not only took time to explain medications and troubleshoot side effects for one patient, but went so far as to bring a handmade hat to provide some extra comfort.

“Duke is so fortunate to have Sara represent their hospital. She is definitely a shooting star,” the nominator wrote.

Jonathan McGee also went above and beyond—even asking to stay on shift longer to see to patient, according to his nominator.

“In my experience with hospitals, doctors, and nurses, I can honestly say I’ve never been so impressed with a nurse as I was with Jonathan,” his nominator wrote. “The mere way in which he handled himself in the presence of other doctors and surgeons was comforting and utterly impressive! Duke Raleigh is lucky to have a young man of his caliber; he is truly a nurse extraordinaire!”

A third Duke Raleigh staff member, LaShana Whitfield, was presented with the Caring Award honoring nursing assistants. Her nominator called out the kindness, compassion, and loving care she provided as reasons to recognize her outstanding service.

In addition to these honorees, several nurses from Duke Raleigh were nominated for the awards and recognized with certificates and pins at the ceremony. They include: