Albany Hospital Nurse Earns Second DAISY Award June 11, 2025 Samaritan Albany General Hospital has partnered with The DAISY Foundation to recognize extraordinary nurses for the compassionate care they provide to patients and families every day. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. Jon Weatherall, RN, is a familiar and trusted face on the Med/Surg team at Samaritan Albany General Hospital, and now he’s a two-time DAISY Award recipient. With more than a decade of nursing experience – including seven years in Med/Surg and two years as a case manager – Jon brought his expertise to Samaritan three years ago. He also serves as a designated preceptor, where he’s known for his calm, thoughtful approach and ability to create a supportive learning environment for new team members. He was nominated by two patients who admired his kindness, integrity and calming demeanor. The nominators stated: “I believe all patient care professionals are concerned for the welfare of those they attend; such is their nature, and that surely is the standard one would expect. Jon truly exceeded the standard in the treatment of my wife, following her nephrectomy. With genuine commitment to superior care, Jon was helpful, friendly, knowledgeable and empathetic. He provided welcome insight into her post-op condition, patiently answering our questions and anticipating what would be useful for us to know going forward. He was also proactive about tailoring pain and nausea control and finding her a private room for extended recovery. In my investigative career, I have spent a lifetime observing people’s behaviorisms and can recognize honesty and genuine character when I see it. Jon is a fine example of humanitarian service. He well represents his co-workers in providing excellent patient care and is a great ambassador for Samaritan. Well done!” “I have had several amazing nurses at SAGH and am confident that they are trustworthy and felt secure in their care. SAGH has an amazing crew and should be proud of their work ethics and abilities. I am nominating Jon for this recognition because he loves and takes pride in what he does. He has a very down-to-earth personality, yet there is a professionalism in his voice that comes through when talking which is very comforting. Jon is a keeper and an asset, one that should be recognized and appreciated. Jon was a good teacher, explaining what I was going through and why things happen as they do. Good one, Jon!” Weatherall’s supervisor Misty Samard, describes him as dedicated, passionate about patient care, and always bringing a positive and uplifting attitude to the team. “Jon is a rare standout employee, an exceptional individual and an exemplary role model for nursing,” Samard said. “He gives everything of himself every day. He is kind, patient, compassionate and genuine. He gives his time to his patients, always making them feel heard and genuinely cared for. I’m honestly not sure how he manages to give so much of himself in a calm and caring manner while also making it appear he has gotten his work done effortlessly. He is no different with staff. Always willing to lend a hand, provide guidance and a soft, supportive and uplifting voice.” A ceremony was held to honor Weatherall and the PRIDE — passion, respect, integrity, dedication and excellence — he shows in his work. At the ceremony, Weatherall was celebrated by his family and colleagues. He was presented with a certificate, DAISY pin and a beautiful Healer’s Touch statue created by an artist in Zimbabwe, which symbolizes the relationship between nurses, patients and families. Along with the public recognition, DAISY award winners receive financial discounts for nursing certification training, reduced tuition for continued education, conference scholarship opportunities and are eligible for the national DAISY Award. The DAISY Award was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes to “honor the super-human work nurses do for patients and families every day wherever they practice, in whatever role they serve and throughout their careers, from student through a lifetime of achievement.” To learn more, visit DAISYfoundation.org. To nominate an extraordinary Samaritan nurse, go to samhealth.org/DAISY.
