Darrian Woods, RN, is an exceptional part of Mount Nittany Medical Center’s PCU/Critical Care team. She continually goes above and beyond for patients to provide five-star care, and she is equally helpful to her fellow colleagues. Recently, Woods was honored with a DAISY Award for helping a family through an incredibly challenging time.

“After three weeks in the hospital, a 44-year-old patient was going to tell his children he had widely metastatic cancer,” said Woods’s nominator Thomas Covaleski, MD, Hospitalist, Mount Nittany Physician Group. “Darrian had taken special care to have the patient dressed in his home clothes, to “de-hospitalize” the room, and even have snacks for the children, ages 4 to 15, to try to make this very difficult situation as best as possible. These thoughts of the human side of our care showed great empathy and compassion, and Darrian did go above and beyond to help this family during an extremely difficult time.”

Woods has been part of Mount Nittany Health’s team for five years. Before joining the organization, she earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from Harrisburg Area Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University. She has her BLS, ACLS, and PALs certifications.

“My favorite part of being a nurse is advocating for my patients to ensure they receive the best care,” said Woods. “Whether that is finding the most affordable price for their new medications, printing out crossword puzzles to appease their boredom, or taking extra time to sit and talk with the patient who is scared or lonely. The little things truly mean the most. The PCU/Critical Care Services unit is truly like a family. We all work together to help each other whenever we can. I can always count on my colleagues on the days my assignments feel like an impossible task. I truly appreciate each one of them.”

When she is not busy providing exceptional care to the community, Woods enjoys spending time at Lake Raystown, camping with her fiancé and dogs. She appreciates the love and support of her fiancé, Jaysa Dixon, her seven-year-old chocolate lab, Zena, and her seven-month-old Pomeranian, Oliver.

Please join us in applauding Woods for exemplifying the core values of caring, excellence, and respect, and for being a DAISY Award recipient. Woods, thank you for your commitment to providing compassionate care and for contributing to our mission of “Healthier people, stronger community.”

Created by the family of Patrick Barnes, who passed away from complications of an autoimmune disease in 1999, the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international program designed to recognize exceptional care in the nursing community. A global program with over 5,000 participating healthcare facilities across all 50 states and 31 countries, nurses throughout Mount Nittany Health have the opportunity to receive prestigious recognition as DAISY award recipients.

Anyone, including patients, families, visitors, volunteers, or staff can nominate a nurse for this esteemed award. If you are interested in nominating a deserving nurse or if you have any questions, please contact: daisyaward@mountnittany.org.