Created in Feb. 2019, the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award was launched to recognize and celebrate nurses who have devoted their life’s work to the compassionate care of others. Much like the UofL Health mission, the award fits beautifully to express gratitude to nurses with programs that recognize them for the extraordinary compassionate, skillful care they provide patients and families wherever they practice, in whatever role they serve, and throughout their careers.
UofL Health – Jewish Hospital gave out its first DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award last week to 30+ year experienced retired nursing veteran Jack Boniakowski.
“Jack has always had a special way of relating to new nurses and getting them to critically think,” said a coworker.
Nurses are nominated by their colleagues for their life-long dedication to compassion in nursing through active mentoring, role modeling, advocating for their patients and promoting the positive image of nursing. Hear how Jack has been pivotal in training nurses at Jewish Hospital:
“Jack has always had a special way of relating to new nurses and getting them to critically think.”
“We started doing ‘a day with Jack’ which included anything and everything about hemodynamics. All the new and experienced nurses will never forget Jack’s ‘tank, plumbing and pump’ analogy around hemodynamics.
“Everyone knew when you had a preceptor like Jack, that he was going to teach you new things, but he was also going to make you think.”
A nurse in one of his classes came up to him after class to tell him she wanted to be an educator just like him. It’s those types of moments that you know you truly made a difference and all the hard work paid off.
Each honoree receives an award certificate, a DAISY lapel pin specially designed by a Washington, D.C. jewelry artist, Ann Hand, and a unique Healer’s Touch sculpture on a pedestal with a personalized plaque attached. To date, 284 nurses have been recognized with the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award.
Thank you, Jack, for your service and dedication to your patients and UofL Health. We’re sad to see you go, but are grateful for the lasting impact you’ve had on our team members and our organization. That’s the true Power of U.
