Northwest Health – Porter announces recipients of Caregiver Awards

Northwest Health – Porter announces recipients of Caregiver Awards

Northwest Health – Porter honored two caregivers in August: Jennifer Carpenter, MSN, RN, PCCN, was the recipient of the DAISY award for exceptional nursing and Wil Ortiz, a security officer, was the recipient of the PETALS award for outstanding support professionals. 

Carpenter, a veteran nurse at Northwest Health – Porter, was nominated by a co-worker who shared that Carpenter is always there to support, problem solve, and trouble-shoot in a wide variety of situations. She added that Carpenter’s bedside nursing capabilities are exemplary and wrote, “She is kind, compassionate, and her infectious laugh lifts the spirits of patients and staff alike. Often, when I am rounding on her patients, I will hear positive comments about how Jen goes above and beyond in order to provide the best possible care.”

Ortiz was nominated by a patient’s daughter who visited the hospital for many days to help manage the care of her elderly mother who was staying in the progressive care unit. She shared that there were many wonderful people that took care of my mother but one of the most significant highlights was her interaction with the front desk security gentleman named Wil. She added that Wil always greeted her enthusiastically and conveyed compassion to her and her situation. She wrote, “I am thankful for the kindness and warmth that he offered. He was a bright spot every day I was there.”

DAISY award recognitions honor the remarkable work nurses do every day – wherever they practice, in whatever role they serve throughout their entire careers. It was established to celebrate the extraordinary compassion that nurses, like Carpenter, continually provide their patients and families. Nurses may be nominated by employees, patients and hospital visitors. 

The PETALS award honors non-nursing professionals, like Ortiz, for their exceptional skills and support. PETALS award recipients can also be nominated by patients, visitors and employees. 

About Northwest Health

Northwest Health is a comprehensive healthcare system committed to providing communities in Northwest Indiana with high-quality, accessible healthcare—from highly specialized care and surgical services to more routine primary care. The system of more than 60 access points includes three hospitals, five emergency departments, urgent care centers, outpatient surgery centers, an ambulance service, and physician offices. A team of more than 3,000 employees work together with the more than 700 physicians on its medical staffs. For more information, visit NWHealthIN.com.