The Punxsutawney Area Hospital honored Colleen Burke, with the Lifetime Achievement DAISY Award.

The DAISY award is part of a national nursing recognition program called the DAISY Foundation. An acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, The DAISY Foundation was formed in November 1999, by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died at age 33 of complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). The nursing care Patrick received when hospitalized profoundly touched his family. Today, DAISY proudly honors nurses wherever they practice, in whatever role they serve, and throughout their careers- from nursing student through lifetime achievement. The mission of the DAISY Foundation is to express gratitude to nurses that recognize them for the extraordinary compassionate, skillful care they provide patients and families. By honoring compassionate nurses, DAISY reinforces the importance of compassion in healthcare.
The DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award was created to recognize those nurses who have devoted their life's work to the compassionate care of others. Recipients of this award are nominated for their dedication to nursing through active mentoring, role modeling, advocating for their patients and promoting the positive image of nursing. They serve as a beacon of inspiration to those at all stages of their career and in the various and important roles of nursing.
Colleen Burke received three nominations that detailed her kindness, expertise in the field, leadership qualities, and longstanding dedication to patients. “Colleen Burke has enriched the lives of so many PAH employees and patients over her 45 years of service.  Working closely with Colleen; Dr. Kyle Lingenfelter, Amy Bartlebaugh Nurse Manager of Ambulatory Surgery/Pre-Anesthesia Clinic/Recovery Room, and myself were passionate about nominating Colleen for the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award because she embodies the legacy, commitment, character, and leadership that defines such an honor.  It was a delight to celebrate the kind, compassionate, excellent nurse and role model Colleen has been at PAH!”, stated Paula Spack, Vice President of Patient Care Services at PAH.
Colleen graduated from Shannock Valley High School in 1977 then subsequently obtained her RN Diploma from West Penn School of Nursing in Pittsburgh in 1980. Soon after graduation in 1980, Colleen, began her tenure at PAH. She began her career at the Punxsutawney Area Hospital in the Medical Surgical Unit followed by some time spent in the obstetrics and gynecology department. In 1983, Colleen transferred to the Operating Room, where she entered into a whole new world of nursing.  “After 22 years of being a staff nurse in the Operating Room, I was given the opportunity of becoming the manager of the Operating Room where I have remained in that position to this present day. During this time period I had also acquired additional management responsibilities as I also became the manager of the GI Lab and Sterile Processing,” stated Colleen.


 Colleen has touched the lives of many patients throughout the years of her service. “My favorite thing about being a nurse is serving my patients,  my staff and the surgeons that I work with every day. Having a role of leadership gives me the opportunity to help create a safe and positive working environment for everyone in surgical service especially our patients,” stated Colleen.

As part of the award presentation the nominators read their nominations and the nominee is joined by their family. “It was humbling to listen to the words Dr. Lingenfelter, Paula Spack, and Amy Bartlebaugh spoke of my character and achievements during my 45 years of service, I am very grateful and honored to have been chosen to receive the Lifetime Achievement DAISY Award,” described Colleen. Feeling that she did not do anything extraordinary to have received this award, Colleen stated, “I just try to make a difference through all the emotional and physical stressors of being a nurse by providing support and guidance.” Overjoyed by the surprise of this award, Colleen was also surprised that her family from Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles traveled to PAH for this recognition and celebration.


Pictured: Colleen Burke, RN