June 11, 2021
Pine Rest’s nursing leadership is pleased to award Elinor “Ellie” Pettee, BSN, MSN, RN_BS, ANCC with the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award honoring nurses who have devoted their careers to caring for others!
Ellie (pictured here, center, along with Chief Nurse Executive Gretchen Johnson. DNP, RN-BC and RN Clinical Service Manager Monica Smith, MSN) has been a nurse for 52 years, over 20 of which have been served at Pine Rest, most recently in the Partial Hospitalization Program. During that time, she has earned a reputation as an excellent clinical instructor with a true passion for psychiatric nursing. These qualities inspired Johnson to submit Ellie’s name for nomination.
“I met Ellie as a new nurse manager, but knew her by reputation as an excellent clinical instructor,” recalls Johnson. “Initially, I felt a little intimidated to be working with a nurse with so much skill, experience, and knowledge. But over time, what I learned about Ellie is that she is an encourager, she is passionate about psychiatric nursing, and she is a great support for nursing students and new nurses.”
Recipients of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award are nominated for their dedication to nursing through active mentoring, role modeling, advocating for their patients and promoting the positive image of nursing. The award itself highlights:
- 25+ years of a distinguished career as a nurse in clinical practice who promotes a positive image of professional nursing.
- Active engagement in the professional development of self and others in the nursing profession.
- Nursing professionals who serve as a role model and advocate for nursing practice and the advancement of nursing.
- Advocates for the improvement of patient care and enhancement of the patient experience.
DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem and was started by Tena Barnes, whose husband Patrick passed away from Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura. She wanted an award that could be given to honor the extraordinary care and compassion that nurses give their patients. The DAISY Award is recognized and given in over 1,700 U.S. healthcare facilities across all 50 states and 11 other countries.
As Ellie now prepares to retire, her colleagues reflect on her longstanding career with wistful admiration.
“As I have watched Ellie in her career, I am encouraged by her desire to continue to share her wisdom and knowledge with those around her. Ellie has always been a nurse educator and preceptor at heart. Ellie, thank you for your part in advancing nursing practice at Pine Rest. We will miss you and are grateful for your service!” — Gretchen Johnson, Pine Rest Chief Nurse Executive.
To view other DAISY award recipients or to nominate an extraordinary Pine Rest nurse, visit the DAISY Nomination section of our website.
