Pomerene nurses receive award for compassionate care

May 11, 2023

Pomerene Hospital is proud to celebrate two nurses – Maria Burgett and Lori Zimmerman – who recently received The Daisy Award for their unwavering commitment to compassionate care.

The Daisy Award recognizes excellence in nursing, honoring individuals across all specialties, roles, and career stages. 


Lori was nominated for the award by an individual whose father came to Pomerene for a knee replacement. The nominator said Lori offered her father dignity, respect, and kindness while also patiently instructing a student nurse.   


“Both her treatment of my father, and the student nurse, left us very confident in the care that we received and would receive during the surgery,” the individual wrote. “On the day of the surgery, we were greeted again by Lori and her student nurse, putting my dad at complete ease knowing he was in good hands. We were impacted by Lori, and I can only imagine the valuable and lasting impact Lori had on the student nurse and her future patients, because she had such a positive mentor during a very important stage of her training.”


Maria’s nominator said that after she fell ill while visiting the area, Maria provided her with efficient, kind, and compassionate care.   


“She treated me like I was the only patient she had. She never hurried, took time to talk to me and always asked if there was anything she could do or get me to make me more comfortable,” her nominator wrote.  “I’ve been to several hospitals but never received the high level of care that I received at Pomerene.”


The Daisy Foundation was established in honor of Patrick Barnes, who lost his life to an auto-immune disease. The foundation’s award program was inspired by nurses who cared for Patrick during the last weeks of his life. It gives patients, families, and co-workers an easy way to express their gratitude for nurses who provide extraordinary compassionate care. 


Learn more at daisyfoundation.org. 

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Loudonville, OH – Nurse practitioner Sarah Smith is bringing more than 20 years of experience in holistic healthcare to Pomerene Family Care in Loudonville. Smith has a diverse background that includes pediatrics, women's health, massage therapy, healing touch, fitness and nutrition. She will work alongside fellow nurse practitioner Debra Lewis to meet the need for a well-rounded family practice within the community. “I have always enjoyed health and wellness and problem solving within that umbrella,” Smith said. “I had an amazing clientele base with my holistic practice. That encouraged me to become a family practitioner, because I was an advocate for patient care – physically, mentally and spiritually.” Smith earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ashland University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University. Along with her staff, she sees her role as building a trusting relationship with patients by communicating openly, listening to their concerns, and offering the best clinical evidence and resources available for their health. By equipping individuals with health information and education, she hopes to improve overall well-being in the community. “We enjoy our jobs,” she said. “Our patients trust us with not only their healthcare but also with sharing their sorrows and happiness. We become extended family members in a sense, and it is quite an honor!” Smith stays busy on a small farm with her husband and children, where they strive to make choices that support a healthy lifestyle. “There is no such thing as perfection,” she said. “It’s about the willingness to take the first steps at making better decisions.” Pomerene Family Care in Loudonville is currently accepting patients. Contact the Loudonville office at 419-994-0212. Pomerene Hospital, rated one of the Top 20 Rural & Community Hospitals in the US, is an independent, private, not-for-profit hospital. Pomerene employs more than 325 employees while maintaining a medical staff with 80+ physicians. For more information, call (330) 674-1015