Ligia Cernat Wins Daisy Award

Ligia Cernat, RN, was the January 2017 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses winner at CHI St. Vincent. Liga is a nurse in the Cath Lab in Hot Springs.

Here’s an excerpt from her nomination letter:

“Ligia has such a sweet, loving heart and kind, giving spirit. She moved to this country 15 years ago, as a nervous 20 year old, not knowing the language. Over the first several months she taught herself English by watching TV. To encourage her independence, her mother-in-law encouraged her to apply for a job in our environmental services department. While learning more English and working for a little bit, she knew they wanted more for themselves and their family and wanted to be able to care for and help others, so she went to CNA school. After working in this position she decided they could do more and worked their way through LPN school. Then they earned their degree in nursing and has worked as an RN for the last four years.

A little over a year ago she applied for a position in this department. Although she had no experience with this type of patient, she came very highly recommended by a staff member. That staff member told us that “if we could just give her a chance,” we wouldn’t be disappointed. They were so RIGHT! Over the past year she has personified all the qualities of a truly extraordinary nurse. She listens with her heart to the patient’s, families and fellow staff members. She is a team player and sets an example for all of us to follow. Ligia is the embodiment of the American dream. This nurse is my hero!”

The DAISY Award was established by the DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes who died at 33 of ITP, an auto-immune disease. The Barnes Family was awestruck by the clinical skills, caring and compassion of the nurses who cared for Patrick, so they created this national award to say thank you to nurses everywhere.

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