Jessica Piccioni Named Daisy Award Winner

Jessica Piccioni, L.P.N., was named the UF Health St. Johns DAISY Award recipient for the third quarter of 2023, according to a media release. Piccioni was honored for providing superb care to a patient who was struggling after undergoing emergency surgery. The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary compassion and skill nurses give daily.

Piccioni, a licensed practical nurse on the 8th floor at UF Health Flagler Hospital, was nominated by a retired nurse who credits Jessica with saving her life.

“I want to thank my lifesaver, Jessica, for what she did for me,” wrote Linda Menard in her nomination letter. “I underwent surgery in January and ended up with a colostomy and nephrostomy. I was devastated. Being an R.N. for 45 years, I knew my outcome, which wasn’t good. I came home determined to beat this. Then I woke up with pain and knew I needed to go to the hospital. I was admitted and was here for five days, then the hospital sent me home.”

Carlton DeVooght, president and CEO of UF Health St. Johns, said that the bond between Piccioni and Menard represents the standard of care the healthcare system aspires to.

“The bond that Jessica nurtured with her patient is truly inspiring and is everything that UF Health Flagler Hospital represents,” said DeVooght. “She gave her all for her patient even when she wasn’t on duty. She represents our core values and made a tremendous difference in the life of her patient.”

Piccioni’s nomination was among 56 recognitions submitted in the third quarter of 2023 by patients, their families and UF Health St. Johns team members.