MT. VERNON – Jason Bernard, FNP-C, a Medical Surgical Registered Nurse at Deaconess Illinois Crossroads, has been honored with The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses, a prestigious international recognition program celebrating the exceptional and compassionate care nurses provide every day.
Jason is among the most frequently recognized nurses at Deaconess Illinois Crossroads, consistently earning praise through leadership rounding, Press Ganey patient experience surveys, social media and Google reviews. During this DAISY Award nomination period alone, he received six nominations, reflecting the meaningful relationships he builds with patients and families and the trust he establishes during some of their most vulnerable moments.
Patient and family nominations consistently highlight Jason’s compassion, attentiveness and commitment to patient-centered care:
“I have never been made to feel so welcome and important as Jason. He, along with the rest of the staff, made my hospital stay a positive experience. I am proud to have Deaconess Illinois Crossroads as my hospital for care and will absolutely recommend it to family and friends.”
“Jason has been so caring and concerned during our stay, always helping to meet our needs and going out of his way to make us comfortable. We were treated so well on this floor.”
“Jason was very caring and connected with my dad through his military service, which meant a great deal to our family. He is knowledgeable, attentive and constantly checking to make sure my mom was comfortable. Jason is a true asset to this hospital.”
“All around an amazing person. Jason went above and beyond my entire hospital stay. He cares for his patients as if they were his own. If I ever return, I hope to be in his care again. We need more nurses like Jason in this world.”
In addition to his excellence at the bedside, Jason recently graduated from Maryville University, earning his advanced degree as a Nurse Practitioner. This spring, he will transition from inpatient nursing to an advanced practice role in one of Deaconess Illinois Crossroads’ Mount Vernon clinics. Until that time, he continues to serve as a full-time registered nurse at Deaconess Illinois Crossroads.
Desiree R. Stumpf, MJ, BSN, RN, HACP, Chief Nursing Officer at Deaconess Illinois Crossroads, shared: “Jason Bernard exemplifies what it means to be an extraordinary nurse. The consistent recognition he receives—from leadership rounding, patient experience surveys and community feedback—speaks to the genuine relationships he builds with patients and families every day. We are incredibly proud of Jason for this well-deserved DAISY Award and for his continued growth in the nursing profession. As he transitions into his role as a Nurse Practitioner this spring, we are grateful that he will continue his journey within the Deaconess system, and we look forward to the impact he will make as an advanced practice provider.”
The DAISY Award is presented by The DAISY Foundation, a not-for-profit organization established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died from complications of an autoimmune disease. The compassionate care Patrick received from nurses inspired his family to create an international program recognizing nurses for the extraordinary work they do every day.
Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, Doctor of Humane Letters (h.c.) and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation, shared: “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Deaconess Illinois Crossroads are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”
For a complete listing of healthcare organizations currently running the DAISY Award program and more information about The DAISY Foundation, please visit DAISYfoundation.org.
The DAISY Foundation honors nurses in over 5,500 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing worldwide. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation also celebrates Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students and Nurses Advancing Health Equity. They support the profession through grants for research, evidence-based practice, and medical mission work.
