Submitted photo From left, Karla Tucker, BSN, CCRN, NE-BC congratulates Melissa Sothen, RN.

BUCKHANNON — WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital is proud to announce Melissa Sothen, RN, as the recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, recognizing her compassionate care, clinical excellence, and meaningful impact on patients and families.

The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors nurses who go above and beyond to provide exceptional care. The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, and was 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.

Melissa was nominated by a grateful patient whose experience during a challenging and emotional time was profoundly shaped by her kindness, patience, and support.

According to the nomination, the patient had recently learned she was experiencing gestational diabetes and arrived for her appointment feeling overwhelmed, anxious, guilty, and uncertain. From the very beginning of the visit, Melissa created a sense of calm and reassurance. She greeted the patient warmly, took time to acknowledge her emotions, and provided education in a thoughtful, unhurried manner – ensuring the patient felt heard, understood, and supported.

Rather than rushing through the appointment, Melissa offered steady guidance, explained the condition clearly, and reassured the patient that it was not her fault and that she was not alone in navigating the diagnosis. Her calm presence and compassionate approach transformed what could have been a frightening experience into one of empowerment and hope.

“Thanks to her support, I left that appointment with a sense of clarity and empowerment. I had the tools and knowledge I needed, but more importantly, I had hope,” the nominator shared. “It was the first healthcare experience I’d had where I didn’t feel like just another patient. Her care made a difference in a moment I will never forget, and I am incredible grateful.”

“Melissa exemplifies the heart of nursing,” Karla Tucker, BSN, CCRN, NE-BC, Chief Nursing Officer & Director of Nursing at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, said. “She meets patients exactly where they are — with empathy, professionalism, and genuine compassion. Her ability to listen, educate, and provide comfort during some of life’s most vulnerable moments truly reflects our mission and the standard of care we strive to provide every patient, every day.”

In addition to Melissa Sothen, WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital proudly recognizes the other DAISY Award nominees for their exceptional care and dedication to patients: Danielle Anderegg, RN; Delainey Briske, RN; Benjamin Hart, RN; Abbie Markley, RN; and Kimberly Sparks, RN. Each nominee was honored for exemplifying the compassion, professionalism, and excellence that define nursing at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Melissa was celebrated by colleagues during a special recognition presentation, where she received a DAISY Award® Honoree certificate and commemorative pin.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital congratulates Melissa Sothen on this well-deserved honor and extends sincere appreciation to all DAISY nominees for the extraordinary care they provide to patients and families in our community.

To learn more about the DAISY Foundation, please visit http://DAISYfoundation.org.