Compassionate Nurses Recognized with DAISY Award®

6/9/2021

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (June 9, 2021) – Lutheran Health Network (LHN) nurses make a difference daily and 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, RediMed or MedStat urgent care clinic or Lutheran Health Physicians practice for this award.

Kelly Earl, RN
Operating Room (OR)
Kosciusko Community Hospital
Warsaw, IN

Kelly is an OR nurse who has extensive experience in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Kelly was floated to the medical floor on a very busy day. There was a patient who was near the end of life and didn’t have any family. As a loving and compassionate nurse, Kelly stepped in and held the patient’s hand until she took her last breath.

Shawn Reinhard, RN
Inpatient Medical/Surgical
The Orthopedic Hospital
Fort Wayne, IN

Shawn was nominated for going above and beyond his duties by accompanying a patient while they waited for a ride home. The patient arranged a ride with a transportation service the day before being discharged. Though Shawn had made sure that the patient made it out on time, the driver was not there. Shawn sat with the patient for a half hour before they were notified that the driver had cancelled. After several attempts to get a new driver, the patient was alerted that a driver was not available to provide transportation home. Shawn made several calls and tried to help find the patient a ride home. The patient was visibly distressed, so Shawn remained with the patient until a new driver arrived. Shawn’s patience, positivity and kindness made the patient feel at-ease and safe.

Rabih Shoujah, RN, BSN
Medical/Surgical
Lutheran Hospital
Fort Wayne, IN

Rabih was nominated by a patient for being “the most compassionate nurse he has ever had.” Rabih provided care with great patience, compassion and skill. During each shift, he sat with the patient and took his time explaining each medication that was being given. Rabih assists his co-workers often, helping them care for other patients even when he is busy. The patient who submitted the nomination stated several times during nurse leader rounding that Rabih was the kindest nurse he had ever encountered. The patient recommended that Rabih be a nurse leader because his skill, kindness, professionalism and passion for nursing is so great that it is extended to his team members, as well.

Stacy Lawson, LPN
Neurology
Lutheran Hospital
Fort Wayne, IN

Stacy was caring for a patient who was preparing to be discharged from the hospital and did not have any extra personal belongings to wear home. Without missing a beat, Stacy gave the patient her hat, scarf, gloves and sweater so the patient would be comfortable and warm. Though she walks to and from work, Stacy put the patient’s comfort before her own. Her compassion and dedication to her patients is far-reaching. Her selfless actions and gestures speak volumes about her character.

Regina Woenker Hare, RN, BSN
Burn Center
Lutheran Hospital
Fort Wayne, IN

Regina has always been a positive force within the Burn Center. She passionately cares for every patient and makes them her priority. As an advocate for patients, she considers their needs even beyond their stay. Recently, she cared for a patient who was homeless and was discharged to a long-term care facility. Regina brought in clothes, toiletries and other personal care items for this individual to take with them after being discharged. She spoke with this patient frequently, even if he was not under her care that day. She went above and beyond to help restore his dignity so that he could have a fresh start.

Kathy Wojtasinska, RN
Burn Center
Lutheran Hospital
Fort Wayne, IN

Kathy is appreciated by her peers for being dependable, flexible, adaptable and always making patients her priority. For example, Kathy cared for a patient with frostbite to his lower extremities. He was homeless and was discharged to long-term care following an amputation of both legs below the knees. Kathy, among others, ensured that he would have clothes and supplies at discharge. She came in on her day off to provide a duffel bag to the patient so he could carry all of his personal items. This is just the most recent example of things she does to go above and beyond for her patients. We are grateful for her generosity and compassion.

Crystal Zimmerman, RN
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
Lutheran Hospital
Fort Wayne, IN

Crystal was nominated by the family of a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) patient who was transported to Lutheran Hospital after an accident that resulted in skull fractures and a traumatic brain injury. Crystal was in the ER trauma room helping to stabilize the patient for three hours. As she provided care, she was thorough, prompt, knowledgeable and helped the family understand next steps in the patient’s care. Crystal never left the room without checking on the family to try and meet their needs. Once the patient was able, she offered to take him for a walk outside. This meant a lot to the patient because he loves being outdoors. After hearing about the patient’s love of ice cream bars, Crystal brought him some treats to enjoy as he continued to recover. These gestures made a world of difference to the patient and his family.

Teanna Benbow, RN
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
Lutheran Hospital
Fort Wayne, IN

Teanna was also nominated by the family of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) patient who was transported to Lutheran Hospital after an accident that resulted in skull fractures and a traumatic brain injury. He needed emergency surgery and was intubated. The patient was having difficulties getting comfortable, but Teanna worked with them to help relieve that discomfort and fear. Her prompt care and thorough explanations provided relief to the family. She took her time to sit with the family to make sure they understood the doctor’s instructions after surgery. Every single time the call light was pushed, Teanna was one of the first in the room. She was prepared for the patient’s needs ahead of time. When it came time to wean him off the ventilator, he was struggling and she stayed by his side until he was stable. She stayed over at least an hour and a half after her shift to ensure that he felt comfortable, safe and cared for. She answered all of the family’s questions and was attentive to their needs.

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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