Conemaugh Miners Medical Center awards first DAISY Award to medical-surgical nurse

Conemaugh Miners Medical Center recently recognized MaryAnn Strong, RN, with the prestigious DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses.

Strong is the first nurse at Conemaugh Miners Medical Center to receive the award. Nominated by a coworker, Strong was praised for her exceptional compassion towards patients and their families while being a reliable and confident coworker her peers can rely on.

"MaryAnn is a very dedicated nurse who is always willing to help her coworkers. She mentors new nurses and does an exceptional job in that role. MaryAnn is the picture of what a true nurse should be: selfless and devoted to her patients."

Jessica Svidergol-Peterman, Chief Nursing Officer of Conemaugh Miners, echoed the comments from Strong's nomination. "MaryAnn is an essential member of our team who consistently takes on any challenge thrown her way. She goes above and beyond for her patients and fellow coworkers at Conemaugh Miners and her mentorship to new nurses joining the team is exceptional."

"MaryAnn's kindness, empathy, and tireless efforts have touched the lives of countless patients and their families, bringing comfort and healing during their most vulnerable moments. She sets a remarkable example for us all, and we are incredibly proud to have her as a cherished team member."

Strong earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from Mount Aloysius College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown following a successful 20-year career in business.

This July will mark Strong's 20thanniversary with Conemaugh Miners Medical Center as a nurse in the medical-surgical unit. "I have always worked Med/Surg because I enjoy taking care of my patients and watching them improve and feel better," said Strong.

Conemaugh Health System adopted the DAISY Award, an international program to recognize the outstanding work of our nurses across the health system, in 2023. Coworkers, providers, and patients may nominate a deserving nurse at Conemaugh Health System at Conemaugh.org/The-DAISY-Award.

The DAISY Foundation is a non-profit established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little-known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick 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 patient families. For more information about the DAISY Award, visit DAISYFoundation.org.