Eleven Extraordinary Nurses Recognized with DAISY Award®
8/31/2022
Lutheran Health Network is proud to recognize 11 nurses with the DAISY Award for going above and beyond in providing compassionate care. The following excerpts highlight the most recent DAISY Award recipient nominations:
Kim Eller, RN
Diane Greuter, RN
Victoria Howard, RN
Dupont Hospital
From a patient family member’s nomination: “I would like to nominate Kim, Diane and Victoria for the DAISY Award. My family member was admitted to Dupont in late December. It was a roller coaster ride for him, but these three nurses went above and beyond their call of duty to make sure we were all taken care of emotionally and involved in his plan of care. They were honest in sharing when he was going through rough spots and did everything they could to help keep him comfortable. Every time I visited, they took time to explain his condition in a way I understood. And they would hold me as I cried when we eventually realized there would be no coming home. He passed away in January with family by his side and dignity thanks in part to the excellent nursing staff.”
Ellen Franz, MSN, RN
Lutheran Hospital
From a colleague’s nomination: “Ellen noticed that I was not my normal self and made a point to come talk to me about what was going on. I was extremely grateful for her. Ellen offered a listening ear and advice. She recognized I was struggling and was compassionate enough to be concerned for me. She even called back later that day to check in on me.”
From a colleague’s nomination: “Ellen completely embodies the attributes of a DAISY Award leader. While her role is director of patient experience, she doesn’t stop there. She also inquires about staff and asks if there is anything she can do to make our jobs easier. Ellen always presents a positive attitude, understands we have a tough job and is always willing to assist. My staff love to see her and are always grateful for her help.”
Heather Frazier, RN
The Orthopedic Hospital
From a patient’s nomination: “During an appointment at The Orthopedic Hospital, Heather found my doctor outside of Lutheran Health Network had scheduled another important test after my scheduled surgery at TOH. She felt I should have that test done before my surgery, called the other network and rescheduled the test, which resulted in a diagnosis and treatment for some potentially serious health issues. Because she took the extra step to ensure I had that test done before surgery, she probably saved my life. I thank her and God that she took enough time to care and make sure I was OK before surgery.”
Madi Hartman, RN
Lutheran Hospital
From a patient family member’s nomination: “We would like to thank and nominate Madi Hartman for the DAISY Award. The care and attention she gave my husband was superb. She paid attention to the smallest details as if she knew him. It came from her heart and meant the world to us. To have Madi here to make us smile and laugh was truly a blessing as we were facing the most difficult situation in our marriage.”
Kate Mercker, RN
The Rehabilitation Hospital
From a patient's nomination: “Everyone at the Rehab Hospital was awesome, but Kate’s demeanor and attitude helped to ease a lot of stress. She puts effort into caring. She made it pleasant for me, and I am sure she will for many more in the future!”
Julie Penrod, RN
Bluffton Regional Medical Center
From a patient’s nomination: “I have a phobia of hospital stays, and my anxiety gets really bad. Julie helped by breathing with me, giving suggestions to relax and talking me through it. I felt bad for having to keep pushing the call light, but she told me not to hesitate. I would like to thank her so much, because without her I more than likely would have left when I really needed to stay.”
Emiliee Ringler, RN
The Rehabilitation Hospital
From a patient’s nomination: “Emilee took care of me two separate times. Both times she demonstrated excellent clinical skills and was very helpful. She always went out of her way to make my stay very comfortable and pleasant.”
From a patient family member’s nomination: “While at the Rehab Hospital, my wife’s care was outstanding. Emilee showered her with patience, kindness and caring. She was gracious enough to end each shift with a hug for my wife.”
Andrea Trout, RN
Lutheran Hospital
From a patient's nomination: “While I was at the hospital, I was feeling really down and hopeless. I had one nurse who showed me so much care and compassion, it helped me through that very difficult time and gave me hope. Andrea is an angel and should be commended not only for her level and quality of care but also for her heart and devotion to her patients. I don’t know what I would have done if she had not pulled me out of my depression and given me the hope and motivation to fight my way through this. I will never forget what she did for me.”
Alicia Wallen, RN
Lutheran Hospital
From a colleague’s nomination: “What truly sets Alicia apart is the compassion she exhibits for all patients. The empathy she exudes puts her into a completely different category from most nurses. Watching her hold hands with an elderly patient, gently stroking their face and reassuring them she is going to take great care of them decreases their anxiety and builds confidence within the patient-nurse relationship. These same professional nursing and human skills are applied to all patients. Her approach is non-selective and encompasses all patients and in all situations.”
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.
Patients, families and colleagues may nominate nurses for this award from any Lutheran Health Network hospital, RediMed or MedStat urgent care clinic or Lutheran Health Physicians practice.
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