Compassionate Nurses Recognized with DAISY Award®
4/20/2021
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (April 20, 2021) – Lutheran Health Network (LHN) nurses make a difference daily and they are key to providing a positive patient experience. The DAISY Award recognizes exceptional care, compassion and dedication. Patients, families and colleagues may nominate nurses from any LHN hospital, urgent care clinic or Lutheran Health Physicians office for this award.
The following stories highlight LHN’s most recent DAISY Award recipients:
Riley Mercer, RN
Inpatient Medical/Surgical
The Orthopedic Hospital
Fort Wayne, IN
Riley was nominated by a patient after caring for them during their first hospital stay. Riley demonstrated compassion and put the patient at ease. Because the patient was a fall risk, she explained the processes necessary to use the bathroom or walk down the hall. Riley answered all of the patient’s questions and was always there to help when needed. Her passion for nursing shined through in her efforts to make the patient’s needs her priority.
Deb Jones, RN
Inpatient Medical/Surgical
The Orthopedic Hospital
Fort Wayne, IN
Deb was nominated by a patient for her excellent care and service. With a positive attitude and a wealth of knowledge, Deb showed the patient that she was dedicated to providing excellent care. Her timeliness and personality made the patient’s stay pleasant.
Savannah Buck, BSN, RN
Cardiovascular ICU
Lutheran Hospital
Fort Wayne, IN
Savannah’s kindness made all the difference to a patient’s loved one who was facing a difficult situation. Savannah provided reassurance to the loved one and gave informative updates on the patient's condition. The sincerity in her voice and her compassion provided comfort to the stressed family member. Savannah listened and always had a smile for the patient. Her prompt actions and quick decision-making skills proved that the patient’s health and safety was her number one priority. Savannah’s commitment and consideration show how dedicated she is to being a nurse.
Zach Sluss, RN
Medical Surgical Department
Dukes Memorial Hospital
Peru, IN
Zach was nominated for his benevolence and professionalism. He is a fantastic representation of the nursing profession and has provided exceptional care at Dukes Memorial Hospital caring for almost 5 years. Zach is thorough, knowledgeable and explains things in practical terms for the ease of patient understanding. Zach is recognized regularly during patient rounds for his ability to connect with others. He demonstrates that he always has the patient at the front of his mind by remembering the small details. For example, one patient reported that he always made sure that the phone, remote and call light were easily accessible before he left the room. His humble attitude and prompt care make all the difference to his patients.
Amber Hagen, RN
Labor and Delivery
Dupont Hospital
Fort Wayne, IN
Amber was nominated for helping a patient through a natural birth. Her patience and peaceful demeanor helped the patient have a smooth experience during labor and delivery. Amber demonstrated her knowledge and understanding by taking action and creating a calm environment for the patient to have her baby. She set the tone for a beautiful birth experience and made the patient feel respected and valued.
Michelle Skinner, RN
Emergency Department
Dukes Memorial Hospital
Peru, IN
Michelle was nominated for her kindness and respect for her patients. She is always there to offer support and care. The patient who provided the nomination noted that even in their most distressed state, Michelle was able to talk with them and assure them that they were in good hands.
Teresa Ley, RN
Ambulatory Surgery Unit
Bluffton Regional Medical Center
Bluffton, IN
Teresa Ley, RN, was nominated by a patient for her great attitude. As a team player in her unit, she is quick to adjust to new challenges. She is also patient and kind when teaching her colleagues a new skill. With an optimistic mindset that cannot be overlooked, Teresa cares for her patients with a smile and contagious positive attitude.
When her patient received devastating news, Teresa provided comfort and helped the patient through their grief. She makes her patients a priority and makes them feel as if they are her only patient. Teresa’s passion for nursing shines through each day.
The DAISY Foundation™ is a not-for-profit organization established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by members of his family. In late 1999, Patrick died at the age of 33 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon autoimmune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique way of thanking those professionals for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and their families.
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