MONROE — Dena Dammen, RN, SSM Health Monroe Hospital Family Birth nurse, is the newest recipient of the DAISY Award. 

Dammen was nominated by fellow Family Birth nurse and patient, Lindsey Sigafus.

“Dena was the nurse who cared for me the day that I was discharged home after delivering my stillborn daughter, Lilah. Dena made sure I had all the time I needed with my girl before I had to say goodbye,”  Sigafus said in her nomination. “When it was time to leave, I requested to walk Lilah out with the funeral home. I was so stressed about having to say goodbye, but Dena made sure to support me in every way possible. Dena wasn’t only the best nurse to me but is so compassionate in the care she provides every day to her patients. I am lucky to work alongside of Dena, and I have learned so much from her. It was difficult returning to work to help other moms/babies, but Dena is always there to support me. I don’t have enough words of gratitude to explain how forever grateful I am for Dena.”

The DAISY Award is an international program that celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care delivered by nurses every day. Dammen is one of three million nurses nationwide who represent the largest healthcare profession. SSM Health Monroe Hospital and SSM Health Monroe Clinic Medical Group employs over 300 nurses serving patients throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.