Courtesy photo Jerin Guindon, athletic trainer at OSF Rehabilitation, was presented with the Sunflower Award recently. The Denome family, pictured, nominated Guindon for his commitment to local athletes, calm demeanor and quick action.

ESCANABA – OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group has awarded two honorees for the “Thank a Caregiver” program. The program includes the international DAISY Award, which recognizes the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care of nurses, and the Sunflower Award, which recognizes non-nursing staff for their extraordinary care and compassion for patients. This quarter’s awards were given to Katie Culliton, RN (DAISY Award) and Jerin Guindon, Athletic Trainer (Sunflower Award).

In 2013, Culliton began her career with OSF HealthCare as an LPN before becoming an RN in 2015. She is part of OSF Medical Group and works in the family medicine practice. Culliton is one of 20 DAISY nominees this quarter.

“We are so proud of the outstanding nursing care patients receive at OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group. The DAISY Award is just one way to recognize nurses who go above and beyond for our patients and express our gratitude to them,” said Lacey Crabb, vice president and chief nursing officer of patient care services at OSF St. Francis Hospital.

Culliton was recognized for her consistent kindness and compassion shown to her patients.

“Life has been such a challenge these past two years, yet I know I can count on OSF and the great people like Katie. She herself does not even know what she has done for me physically and mentally. I have never felt such amazing care from a team let alone Katie. She is an angel at OSF. She just quietly does it without needing recognition, she loves her job and more importantly treats her patients as people not numbers, not appointments – but an extension of her life and calling. Thank you, Katie!” said one of her patients.

Guindon, ATC, who joined OSF Rehabilitation eight years ago, was among 21 nominees for the Sunflower Award. Guindon was recognized for the care he provides to local athletes. The parents of Eskymo hockey player Trevor Denome nominated Guindon for the Sunflower Award.

“While waiting for an ambulance to arrive after an injury in a hockey game, Jerin asked for a backboard and blankets while he continued to support Trevor’s neck and calmed him all while kneeling in a puddle of water on the ice. When the EMTs arrived, Jerin gave his assessment and continued to assist and kept Trevor calm. Without Jerin’s quick action and calmness, things could have turned out differently. We are so grateful to have Jerin on our ‘bench.’ We can’t think him enough!” said Denome’s parents.

Award ceremonies were held to celebrate with each of the honorees, their co-workers, managers and administrative team. The Denome family joined in the celebration for Guindon’s Sunflower Award.

“The work of our employees goes beyond providing health care to patients. They’re often providing comfort, compassion, and a listening ear. I see it each and every day and am proud to see the Sister’s mission in action. The nominations from patients act as a great reminder that staff from all departments are making a positive impact on those we serve,” said Dave Lord, president of OSF St. Francis Hospital.

If you would like to nominate an employee from OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group for special recognition of extraordinary care, visit www.osfhealthcare.org/st-francis/amenities/thank-caregiver/.