06/07/2024
We’re pleased to announce this quarter’s DAISY regional award winners. Patients, colleagues and families have called out the following 13 nurses for the extraordinary care and support they provide in their patients’ recoveries. Here’s what makes them special:
Critical Illness Recovery Hospitals DAISY Winners
Regency Hospital – Cleveland East: Matthew Krejci
Matthew Krejci was nominated by a patient’s family for going “above and beyond to educate us about so many different things.” Matthew was described as friendly and helpful. When he discovered that his patient was quitting smoking, Matthew brought mints and told the patient they helped him with cravings. He also brought bananas for the patient when his potassium was low and listed other foods that were rich in potassium.
Select Specialty Hospital – Erie: Julie Fairfield
A colleague nominated Julie Fairfield for her dedication to ensuring the safe evacuation of patients after a severe windstorm caused a generator failure. As the charge nurse responsible for patient safety, Julie coordinated with her team and emergency services to successfully transfer all patients to local facilities in under two hours.
Select Specialty Hospital – Flint: Douglas Tobias
Douglas Tobias was nominated by a patient’s wife for putting her mind at ease and being a phenomenal communicator. “Doug went out of his way to make it clear to me I could call him for anything 24 hours a day,” said the patient’s wife. After a phone call between Doug and the wife was disconnected, Doug took the time to find a working phone line and called back with an update on her husband’s condition. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” the wife said.
Select Specialty Hospital – Kansas City: Renee Rust
A colleague nominated Renee Rust for being “a rock of strength, yet empathetic and caring in providing support and comfort” for her patients. Renee’s colleague noted her excellent communication skills, ability to anticipate needs and adherence to safety standards. While caring for a patient at the end of their life, Renee demonstrated her compassionate nature by staying at the patient’s bedside alongside the family.
Select Specialty Hospital – Laurel Highlands: Molly Hileman
Molly Hileman was nominated by a patient’s daughter for being a “stand out health care professional who made the worst days of my life a little easier.” The daughter pointed to Molly’s willingness to explain complicated medical procedures; Molly also helped find a priest to attend to her patient’s spiritual needs. “I am so grateful that Molly was with us when my dad exited this life.”
Select Specialty Hospital – Milwaukee St. Francis: Evelyn Berg
A patient’s husband nominated Evelyn Berg for being an exemplary nurse with “a smile that lights up the whole wing.” Evelyn was called out for being kind and maintaining a professional demeanor when working with patients. “She was cleaning my wife after she had a bowel movement when my wife had another bowel movement… she said that the timing was good and all these other things to make my wife not feel embarrassed or humiliated about it.”
Select Specialty Hospital – Nashville West: Angela Bowling
Angela Bowling’s nominator said, “she is a bright light in the middle of an uncertain situation for the patient and their family.” Angela was recognized for her ability to see things from the patient’s perspective and make them feel like a real person “and not just another bed filled.” Her nominator, a patient’s sister, wrote that Angela went out of her way to go to the store “to get some things I needed, more than once.”
Select Specialty Hospital – Tucson Northwest: Allison Newhard
A colleague nominated Allison Newhard for her compassionate treatment of family members, great listening skills and willingness to be a true team player. Allison’s colleague noted that she is a knowledgeable and skilled critical thinker, providing support, updates and answers to multiple families while working to reduce the number of critical drips and maintain a critically ill patient’s blood pressure. “I never know what kind of day Allison is having — she’s always upbeat, smiling and encouraging to staff.”
Select Specialty Hospital – Downriver: Ella Kingsler
Ella Kingsler was “heaven sent” according to the patient who nominated her. “Ella gave me bedside care and saw that my hair was horribly matted and dirty. She brought in a detangler and tried for two days to clean my hair.” When the patient’s daughter arranged for a hairdresser to visit, Ella helped set everything up. Her patient also noted that Ella took the time to always write down her needs. “She made me feel heard.”
Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals DAISY Winners
Banner Rehabilitation Hospital East: Stephenie Hokanson
Stephenie Hokanson, a wound care nurse, was nominated by a patient who suffered a burn injury on Christmas Eve. The patient, a physician, was in a burn center for three weeks before arriving at Banner Rehabilitation Hospital East. “Stephenie was very caring, compassionate and extremely meticulous,” the patient wrote. “She was so attentive and had a great bedside manner. She was constantly assessing and adjusting the plan based on new findings.” Overall, he wrote, Stephenie “is just a dynamic, outstanding provider and teacher.”
Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital, Beachwood: David Monroe
David Monroe received high praise from a patient whose first language is Spanish and lives outside of the United States. The patient wrote in his nomination, “David definitely stood out.” His compassion and prompt response to patient’s needs did not go unnoticed. “Being from another country made communication difficult, which could be frightening at times,” the patient said. “David and I connected when I realized he could communicate with me and had traveled to my country many times. Being so far from home, it was nice to feel the comfort of knowing that David saw me as more than just a patient. He was a joy and really helped me. I truly appreciated that.”
OhioHealth Rehabilitation Hospital – Columbus: Samantha Norris
Nominated by a colleague, Samantha Norris was praised for “consistently providing excellent care while displaying a positive attitude that improves overall morale.” Her colleague credited her for going above and beyond in collaborating with the hospital’s therapy staff. As an example of her teamwork, “Sammy collected supplies for a patient’s shower, covered their wounds and started the water to make sure it was warm, which improved patient satisfaction,” her nominator wrote. “She positively impacts our department on every shift. Patients and staff just love her!”
SSM Health Rehabilitation Hospital – Lake Saint Louis: Donnita Alligood
Donnita Alligood was nominated by a patient who underwent an extensive back surgery. The patient wrote that Donnita was “very kind, caring and helpful from the moment I met her.” When the patient expressed concern about taking pain medication because of a fear of becoming addicted, “Donnita asked what my concerns were, then took the time to explain that the medication was safe and how pain management is an important part of my care plan.” After Donnita provided this education, the patient felt more at ease and was able to enjoy better rest with lessened pain. “She was so helpful and comforting,” the patient wrote.
