Team Member Awards

From a patient’s family: Katie Wood recently treated an oncology patient in his final days and hours, being a blessing to both him and his family. Katie lightened his mood, found creative solutions for his care, and ensured his comfort by carefully managing his medicine, wounds and bed positioning. The patient’s daughter said she and her family was grateful for Katie’s sacrificial care and love, which made a significant difference to the grieving family.

From a colleague: Danielle Huter was taking care of a man with special needs with whom I work. You could instantly tell how much she genuinely cared for him, even though he was intubated. She wanted to make sure the tubing or wire were not in a place that could be annoying for him. She listened and spoke with us in a friendly and caring way while we asked questions about his condition and told stories about how much of a goofy guy he is. You could tell that, for her, it wasn’t just a job. She genuinely wanted to see him get better and to meet him. It means the world to be able to leave him with someone you know will care as much for him as those who have loved him every day.

From a patient’s family – I write this the day before we withdraw care on my grandfather. Aaron has shown nothing but incredible nursing care and love for my family. He was very patient with me and my emotions after my flight landed from Alabama. I am a nurse myself, and Aaron was very thorough with me as my family and I made decisions. He made sure we were all taken care of, and my pop couldn’t have had a better nurse. There is an entire book I could write, but I will stop by saying he deserves this award.

From a patient’s family – My son came to the Meritus Medical Center Emergency Department in February needing medical attention for detox. Carol was the triage nurse that day and put him at ease. She even asked him if he would prefer a smaller waiting room to give him some privacy. The compassionate care that she demonstrated that day was above and beyond. She was very supportive and encouraging. She did not make my son feel ashamed for seeking medical attention. She treated him with respect and truly listened to his concerns. She educated him and consulted all the necessary interdisciplinary teams so he could have the best chance of recovery. We are forever grateful for her care. It was one of our worst days, and she made it better.

From a co-worker: Luisa Herrera’s patient on 5 West had been admitted for flu, but was obviously anxious. The patient’s daughter, 48, had stage 4 lung cancer and was going in for treatment that day. Luisa pushed the physician all morning to discharge the patient. At 5 p.m., she received a call that the daughter was admitted to the Emergency Room due to a reaction with her treatment. However, she was actively dying and was being taken to Doey’s House. Luisa flew into action, wheeling her patient to the Emergency Department to be with her daughter. Upon returning to the floor, Luisa orchestrated her patient’s discharge and oxygen so her patient could be with her daughter.

Nominated by a patient’s family: My 13-month-old son was brought to the Emergency Department
due to a health concern related to a genetic condition. Kate was our nurse for most of her shift, and I cannot sing enough praises about her. At a time when I felt so scare and worried, Kate was a welcomed ray of sunshine. She was able to make us laugh, given the circumstances. She even got the first smile out of my son after he started to come around. Even though my son’s condition is rare, Kate never made it feel as though she was uncomfortable or uncertain. She never made us feel like a bother, and she never hesitated to answer the call bell when my son kept pressing it, even though it was a busy day in the ED. The whole time we were there is a blur to me, but Kate and her sense of humor and loving care of my son stands out greatly. In a time when a mother is so terrified for her baby, it’s reassuring to have someone who is so genuinely compassionate care for your child.

Nominated by patient: Casie Przywarty, a registered nurse with Meritus Home Health, definitely meets the criteria for the DAISY Award. I first met Casie while I was having an extreme catheter situation. I had prayed for help, and God sent an angel, Casie, and probably saved my life. She called 911, and I ended up in the hospital for nearly a week. Casie makes me feel safe as she educates me on my health situation. She answers all of my questions, organizes my pill box, checks my vitals and does my INR. She always greets me with a beautiful smile. She seems to love her profession, and I think being a nurse is innate for her. I’m thankful that I experienced her expertise. She is just wonderful!

Nominated by colleague: Alexis Jenkins, RN, was the resource nurse on 5 East the day that a special needs patient was being discharged. Bryan, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, had arrived three weeks earlier, suffering from extreme neglect, including hypothermia and malnutrition. This is the most severe form of neglect and disregard for human life I have ever seen. After recuperating, Bryan was to be transferred to a local nursing home for further care, but he didn’t want to leave. He was shaking and crying, begging Alexis and I to let him stay with us. Alexis was amazing with him, calmed him down and promised to come visit him on her way home to make sure he was doing OK. Not only did she stop, but she used her own money to pick up some snacks she knew Bryan would like. She texted me later that day to assure me he was content, safe and happy. I was able to sleep peacefully because of her actions. The amount of professionalism and care displayed by Alexis this day surpassed anything I have ever seen in a nurse. We were extremely busy and overwhelmed that day, and she stepped up to the plate. She went above and beyond for an at-risk patient, and this is not a one-time event where Alexis has come through. She shines every time she is at work.

Nominated by a patient: Joshua Beach, B.S.N., R.N., went above and beyond in his care during my recent hospital stay. He is kind, gives great advice and explains everything thoroughly. He enlightened me with his knowledge and compassion. He helped reduce my anxiety, helping me stay calm and centered. He even made me laugh and smile! He really made my stay at Meritus Medical Center better, and I cannot thank him enough. He is a rare treasure and should be recognized!

Nominated by a patient’s family: Adam Mowery, BSN, RN, was a true blessing during my grandfather’s final days. When I first called, Adam was on shift and answered my questions, reassuring me I was not a bother to him. He also happened to be there during my grandfather’s final hours and, looking back, I am so grateful for that. Adam was personable, pleasant and caring. While new to the nursing field, you wouldn’t be able to tell. He is very passionate about his job and his love for his patients. I watched him interact with my grandfather in a way that showed he genuinely cared. He talked to my grandfather like he was family, even though my grandfather was unresponsive. He asked if we needed anything every time he left the room. He just truly made us feel like we were welcome and never a bother. During my grandfather’s passing, Adam did everything to help guide us. We need more of that in health care. There needs to be more nurses like Adam!

Nominated by a patient: After learning that I had aggressive breast cancer, I was told by my doctor that a navigator would be calling me. After receiving news in such a manner, I could hardly breathe, and I had no idea what a navigator was. That all changed once I met Katie Harden. Katie actually was like my life preserver. She guided me through the long year with cancer. When I was at my lowest, Katie talked to me, lessened my worries and always had an encouraging word. If I was concerned over a type of test or reports, she would take the time to understand my concerns and offered sound explanations. I do not know how I would have
survived the year of cancer if it wasn’t for Katie. She was like my guardian angel. Her caring and compassion for patients is outstanding. I thank God every day for her and the help she provided me.

I first met Drew at 7 p.m. when he came on for his night shift. I had surgery earlier that day and Drew assisted me in getting up and walked with me every chance he could. The next morning, Drew cleaned me up, washed me and made me feel that what I was experiencing was normal. He was so kind and compassionate. He stripped and remade my bed. Over his next several shifts, Drew taught me how walk confidently, how to support my body with pillows when sleeping and most of all, to get back up and keep going. This young RN, Drew, could be my son, but he taught me!

You can tell when people love their job and take pride in what they do – Josh is one of those people. From the moment he came in my room, he brightened my day. I had a bad day the day prior, and he made my day better. He didn’t skip a beat in taking care of me, so much to the point I didn’t have to press my call button. He was on top of my care and comfort every step of the way. It’s rare to get good treatment that’s genuine on top of that, he definitely did more than his job. He’s nothing short of amazing. I’m glad to have had him as my nurse. He made me feel at home and not like I was in the hospital. Nominated by a patient.

Serina was awesome. She was very patient, and was always explaining what she was doing. She was willing to step right in and help feed my grandmother if she needed assistance. Both of my grandparents were admitted a few days apart, and were actually placed right next to each other on the floor. When they had to move my grandmother, Serina brought her in the room with my grandfather and allowed them to see and talk to each other for a while. This really was above and beyond, and put them both at ease that everything was going to be alright. Serina deserves this award! Nominated by a patient’s family.

There is nothing but exceptional things my family and I can say about Sam. She is an amazing nurse, and was our father’s nurse when he was taken to Meritus with symptoms of a stroke. (We found out later he did have a stroke.) Through that heart-wrenching experience, Sam took amazing care of our dad, and did everything she could to help him, all while assisting us with our questions, concerns and emotional breakdowns! We really believe he would not be where he is now, in the recovery process, without her! She deserves so much praise! We wish we could show her how much she really touched all of us! – Nominated by a patient’s family.

Nominated by a co-worker: Earlier this year, 4 East was asked to take a pediatric psych patient (far outside the scope of our department) but we did. Chiara was the patient’s nurse, they quickly formed a bond. He talked freely with her; even his outbursts were less aggressive and more easily calmed. The family came to me and expressed gratitude for Chiara’s care, and kindness for their son. She planned to reward his improving behavior, and we worked together to bring him to the cafeteria for ice cream and outside for some exercise. While 4 East did an amazing job as a whole, Chiara had this patient for many days. The family even brought him back to personally thank Chiara. Again, 4 East is not a psychiatric floor or a peds floor, but Chiara did a great job. 

Nominated by a patient's family: "You don’t know how much of a help Valerie is. She is fantastic, and reduced the strain we were under. I was in tears with worry and so overwhelmed with how we would manage all the equipment at home, along with getting used to a new colostomy. Valerie took the extra time to explain how everything would work. If I called with a question and she wasn’t available, she always called back and provided the answer. When getting treatment elsewhere, we felt like we got the run-around, but not here. You do not often find people who understand your situation like Valerie did."

Nominated by a co-worker: "Kendra was caring for an overflow patient in PACU. The patient was anxious, probably frightened, a bundle of nervous energy, and in perpetual motion. His condition and medical history made pain management difficult, but Kendra expertly managed his medications, reducing his pain and fashioned a pillow to make him more comfortable. She provided him with her personal Kindle to use a distraction from his situation and provided empathy and nonjudgmental care. She went above and beyond in assisting him when his wife called experiencing her own medical emergency and provided instruction and support to the patient. The next day, she saw the patient in the cafeteria and inquired how he, and his wife, were doing. Kendra even made him another pillow and provided him with the phone number to Home Health to make sure he was able to continue his care as an outpatient."

Nominated by a patient's family: "My 11-year-old son came into Meritus Medical Center for outpatient dental surgery. He has severe ADHD & autism. That morning his emotions were through the roof. He wasn’t talking much or making any eye contact. Courtney came into our room to ask if she could start an IV. I told her he would never let her! Once, his doctor had to chase him around to try to administer a shot. She started to talk to my son with compassion. She explained to him what she was going to do with step-by-step details. She then asked permission to begin. I couldn’t believe it, but my son let her start his IV! She then brought over a stuffed dinosaur that had a mask and an IV taped around its arm just like his. Courtney was so kind, sweet, caring, and extremely patient with my son. I am still not sure how she convinced him to let her do something he’s never let another medical person do, ever. In our eyes, she has super-human powers, and shines bright like a ray of sunshine! We will forever be grateful for Courtney and cannot thank her enough. We feel she went above and beyond and deserves to be recognized as a Daisy nurse. P.S. He still has his dinosaur on his bed."

Nominated by a patient's family: "My grandmother was recently hospitalized, and Emmy was one of her nurses. Emmy went above and beyond when advocating for my grandmother, listening to our concerns and working with the care team to ensure the best possible outcome. Emmy was patient and caring – you can tell that she cares deeply about her patients. She even stayed two hours past her shift to ensure my grandmother was okay and that the next shift was well informed. Thank you!"

Nominated by a co-worker: "I recently experienced the worst two shifts in the three years that I have worked here. My module was extremely heavy and Carley was the charge nurse. I was all over the place and had a patient who was very critical. Carley kept me sane and she was by my side all day helping me with my workload and ensuring it was going to be ok. I needed to be by this patient’s side, so Carley assisted with other patients needs for me. I truly don’t know what I would have done if she wasn’t the charge nurse that weekend. I cannot thank her enough as she went above and beyond for me that weekend!"