Carthage Area Hospital Celebrates Jennifer Putnam’s Prestigious DAISY Award®

Carthage, [May 30th, 2025] — Carthage Area Hospital (CAH), a member of the North Star Health Alliance (NSHA), proudly announces that Jennifer Putnam, RN, has been awarded The DAISY Award® for her exceptional contributions to patient care. Her compassion and care during a patient’s most vulnerable moment truly exemplify the heart of nursing. Jennifer’s dedication is a powerful reminder of the difference one nurse can make, and we are proud to celebrate her as part of our North Star Health Alliance family.

Jennifer’s Journey 

Jennifer Putnam, RN 

A proud North Country native, Jennifer grew up in Carthage and now lives in Lowville with her family. She began her nursing career at Crouse Hospital—caring for patients there for four years—before returning home to dedicate the past nine years to Carthage Area Hospital. Reflecting on what drew her to nursing, Jennifer shared: 

“My favorite person in the whole world was my grandmother. When she was near the end of her battle with cancer, a nurse would sing to her each day—bringing her peace and taking away her fear, even if just for five minutes. I knew then that if someone could do that for another person, I wanted to be a part of it.” 

That moment cemented her calling, and her first clinical rotation back at Carthage Hospital only deepened her love for patient care.

Jennifer Putnam, RN & David Ferris, MSHA, RN, FACHE, Chief Nursing Officer, Senior Vice President of Patient Care 

Jennifer is a cornerstone of the Carthage ER team, guiding patients and their families through life’s most critical and frightening moments with expert skill and genuine warmth. Her thoughtful advocacy, unwavering kindness, and commitment to easing fear and pain exemplify the extraordinary care The DAISY Award® celebrates. 

“Jennifer’s compassion goes hand in hand with her clinical excellence. She has an uncanny ability to tune into what her patients need most—whether that’s a medical intervention or simply someone to listen. By openly sharing her own stories, she builds bridges of trust and eases her patients’ fears in their toughest moments. Her empathetic presence transforms the care experience, reminding everyone on our team of the profound impact kindness and genuine connection can have on healing.” David Ferris, MSHA, RN, FACHE, Chief Nursing Officer, Senior Vice President of Patient Care 

Carthage Area Hospital and the North Star Health Alliance extend their heartfelt congratulations to Jennifer on this well-deserved honor. Her steadfast commitment to patient-centered care not only uplifts those she serves but also inspires her colleagues to strive for excellence. We look forward to witnessing the continued impact of her compassionate practice throughout our community.