Extraordinary Nurses Recognized with DAISY Award®
3/1/2022
Lutheran Health Network is proud to announce nine nurses recognized for providing compassionate care with the DAISY Award. The following excerpts highlight the most recent DAISY Award recipient nominations:
Tina Augsburger, RN
Lactation Consultant
Dupont Hospital
From a patient’s nomination: As first-time parents, we encountered a few stumbling blocks with breastfeeding. Tina was so uplifting and encouraging during this stressful time, informing us that issues arise all the time and breastfeeding is a combination of art and science. When my wife and I left our first appointment with Tina, we had a game plan in place and felt we’d been given a second chance. Now I get to watch the bonding between my wife and child during feeding and the connection that brings. We never would have gotten to this point without Tina.
Kristina Grostefon, RN
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Lutheran Hospital
From a colleague’s nomination: While out in the community, Kristina found a young girl unconscious in the road. She began administering CPR and directed others nearby to call 911. Thanks to Kristina’s quick response, the girl was taken to the hospital and eventually airlifted to Indianapolis to receive the specialized intensive care she needed. Kristina is an exemplary nurse in and out of the hospital, keeping a clear head and going above and beyond to save lives.
Kari Iden, RN
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Lutheran Hospital
From a colleague’s nomination: Kari is a kind and compassionate nurse always willing to help the team. She regularly jumps in to assist with deliveries and c-sections, and she works with her fellow nurses to assist with admissions and discharges. Kari consistently goes the extra mile to ensure things run smoothly in her unit, and she always has a positive attitude no matter how hectic the unit may be.
Abbey Hunter, RN
Medical-Surgical 4C
Lutheran Hospital
From a colleague’s nomination: When a patient recovering in the hospital learned his mother passed away during his stay, Abbey quickly recognized the patient’s physical pain was made worse through his grief. She took time on her days off to check in on the patient, regularly assuring him she cared and was sure to greet the patient regularly with smiles and waves. Abbey even organized a condolence card signed by the entire staff, which moved the patient to tears. She went above and beyond what was expected, helping her patient heal physically and helping him cope through his loss.
Linda Shuff, RN
Gastrointestinal Office
Lutheran Health Physicians
From a colleague’s nomination: Linda made a great impression on a friend who was her patient through her kindness and professionalism. My friend was pleased when she was called to her procedure sooner than anticipated and felt Linda took extra care to look for an earlier date knowing the symptoms my friend had. My friend and her husband stopped me on several different occasions to mention how impressed they were with Linda’s care and to share how thankful they were to our medical group.
Ruthann Perry, RN
Bluffton Cardiology Office
Lutheran Health Physicians
From a patient’s nomination: Ruthie is always cheerful and has a true care and concern for patients every time. During a recent visit when the office receptionist was out and she was the only nurse on duty, Ruthie assisted me with my check-in, apologized for my wait and thanked me for my patience. All through her time with me she was very upbeat, cheerful and willing to serve. During what was obviously a very busy day, Ruthie went above and beyond the call of duty!
Barb Whetstone, RN
Post-op
The Orthopedic Hospital
From a patient’s nomination: Post-surgery I experienced pain I was not expecting. Barb stepped in with a warm smile and a calm voice telling me the pain would get better and be easier to deal with the more I moved. She was beside me from the beginning to cheer me on and provide encouragement. Now each day as I walk in my home and on my front sidewalk, I can still hear her gentle coaching to “keep walking” in my head. I am almost pain free and doing well thanks to my cheerleader.
Nurse Leader DAISY Award Recipients
Brenda Tuttle, RN
House Supervisor
Dupont Hospital
From a patient family’s nomination: When my sister was admitted for emergency surgery, I was the only sibling able to make it to the hospital to keep the rest of the family informed. All the nurses were great about keeping me informed, but one particular nurse went above and beyond in her care. Brenda was walking through the waiting area and noticed me sitting there. She came over and asked if I was waiting on someone in surgery, offered to check on my sister’s condition, get me coffee and was just a warm human being. She even lent me her phone charger, since the closest charging station was on another floor. It was a very kind act that allowed me to stay in the waiting area for any updates and remain in touch with my family. It was encouraging to see a medical professional recognize me as a hurting human.
Sue Herran, RN
Vascular Access Manager
Lutheran Hospital
From colleagues’ nominations: Sue is a kind, supportive and optimistic leader who puts her patients and team above everything. She has led the vascular access team through many difficulties, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the unexpected loss of a team member. She is always ready with hugs, smiles, patience and kind words. She shares in the joys of her team and comforts them in their sorrows. Sue regularly covers shifts when needed without complaint or hesitation. She leads her staff with a level head, open heart and unwavering support.
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 LHN hospital, RediMed or MedStat urgent care clinic or Lutheran Health Physicians practice.
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