Forrest Health has named April Hopstein, FNP-C, as its DAISY Award winner for January. Hopstein is employed at The Doctors Clinic and Perry County Hospital in Richton. The DAISY award, which is presented monthly to a deserving nurse or nurses, exemplifies clinical expertise and compassionate care and is recognized as a role model in the nursing community.¬
According to Hopstein’s nominator, “April constantly goes above and beyond to make sure her patients are properly taken care of. She sees a full load of clinic patients daily while assisting in the Perry County Emergency Room and ensures that no patients are left waiting. April is always willing to work patients into her already busy schedule to ensure they receive timely care. When she enters a room, she always has a smile on her face and can instantly improve a patient's tough day by her presence alone. Her positive attitude and willingness to work to improve the lives of our patients is contagious and The Doctors Clinic and Perry County Emergency Room are both better because of it.”
A Petal resident, Hopstein received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from William Carey University and her nurse practitioner degree from Maryville Nursing School. As someone who enjoys taking care of people, Hopstein has been at the Perry County medical facilities for more than six years.
A former engineering major, Hopstein knew right off that wasn’t for her. “I have a lot of family members who are in the nursing field and saw the care they provided and thought it would be something I would enjoy,” Hopstein said.
“A nurse, like April, and others, who have been nominated for and honored with the DAISY Award during the past year, are an integral part of what makes Forrest General such a caring and compassionate place for your healthcare needs,” said Phyllis Chambers-Berry, Forrest Health vice president. “I am so proud of April and how hard she works to make our patients feel appreciated and cared for in such a warm manner.”
The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 in California by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 from complications of an auto-immune disease. During his eight-week hospital stay, his family was impressed by the care and compassion his nurses provided, not only to him but to everyone in the family. They created the DAISY Award in his memory to recognize those nurses who make a big difference in the lives of so many people.
Forrest General Hospital is proud to be a DAISY Award partner and recognizes nurses with this special honor every month. Nurses are nominated by patients and family members, as well as other healthcare professionals. The winner is then selected by a board of healthcare workers. Each DAISY Award Honoree is recognized at a public ceremony in her/his unit and receives a certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a hand-carved stone sculpture entitled, “A Healer’s Touch,” handcrafted by a tribe in Zimbabwe.
To nominate a nurse for a DAISY Award, visit forrestgeneral.com/daisyaward.
