Baptist Health Floyd

11/21/2025

🦃 This Thanksgiving season, we’re reminded that gratitude is more than a simple “thank you.” It can strengthen relationships, improve well-being, and bring more joy into our lives. At Baptist Health Foundation, we also know gratitude has the power to lift up caregivers. Through our Honor a Caregiver program, you can recognize the doctors, nurses, and staff who made a difference for you or your loved ones.

Read more about the science — and the impact — of gratitude: https://bit.ly/4oLYMb4

11/20/2025

𝐁𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐝 𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐃𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐘 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝

When Tabitha Sikes, BSN, pictured second from left with her Ambulatory team, walked into an unscheduled management meeting Tuesday afternoon, she expected routine business — not that she would be its subject.

Minutes later, the Oncology Services and Ambulatory Care manager at Baptist Health Floyd learned she had been named a national Health Impact DAISY Nurse Leader Award recipient for her work developing polices that advance compassionate care.

Sikes identified a critical gap in care for patients with sickle cell disease in the local community — one that left them without access to lifesaving red blood cell exchange therapy. She built a “sustainable program from the ground up, engaging an interdisciplinary team, establishing clear policies, and ensuring staff competency,” according to Elizabeth Couch, MSN, RN, executive director of quality, safety, accreditation and oncology services at the hospital.

Patients can now be treated in the Ambulatory Care unit at Baptist Health Floyd and sent home a few hours later instead of having to travel to Indianapolis, Fort Wayne or petition the state to go to a Louisville hospital for treatment if they receive Medicare or Medicaid benefits.

“I did not do it by myself. I was just part of the team,” said Sikes. “I am very proud of our team. It is beautiful from a patient’s perspective from what we are hearing. It allows these patients to go home, in a better-quality state, more often. It keeps them out of the hospital and gives them better quality of life.”

The treatment consists of replacing a patient’s blood with healthy blood. The process can take up to four hours.

Sikes, who has been a nurse for 12 years, said she and her team are dedicated to improving the quality of life for all their patients.

“These people are facing such hardships. These are life-altering diagnosis,” she said. “So much grieving and mental process to go through that if we can lighten that load for them a little bit, what a beautiful thing we can do. My staff in oncology and ambulatory care, these are the things that fill their cup. They are willing to go that extra mile for the benefit of the patient.”

Sikes said she had no idea she had been nominated for the award.

“I was really surprised when I heard someone call out my name,” she said.

Her director, Christy Flynn, RN, BSN, MSHA, said the honor was well deserved.

“Tabitha and her team implemented apheresis specifically for sickle cell patients to prevent hospitalization and enable a better balance in their healthcare. This pioneering effort has significantly enhanced patient care, operational efficiency, and accessibility to this critical therapeutic modality,” said Flynn. “Through meticulous planning, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and dedicated training, the team has developed a streamlined outpatient apheresis program that ensures safety, efficacy, and patient comfort.”

Couch also praised Sikes’ work and dedication.

“Tabitha’s leadership extends beyond writing policy — she is deeply committed to engaging stakeholders, piloting changes, evaluating outcomes, and refining processes based on feedback and data,” said Couch. “She ensures that every policy she develops is not a static document, but a living tool that actively supports patient safety and staff success.”

11/20/2025

Lung cancer symptoms can sneak up in unexpected ways—things like persistent fatigue, changes in your nails or voice, or recurring infections may be warning signs. Learn more about how lung cancer can feel.

While persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain are classic signs of lung cancer, there are a number of surprising signs...

11/19/2025

When stored and thawed properly, breast milk retains most of the vital nutrients your baby needs. 💙 Read this article to learn more about safe storage tips. https://www.baptisthealth.com/blog/mother-and-baby-care/does-frozen-breast-milk-have-the-same-nutrients-as-fresh-breast-milk

11/18/2025

Baptist Health Medical Group is seeking a full-time Outpatient Physical Therapist to join our team in Corydon. This position offers excellent employee benefits. Applicants must have an active or current temporary Indiana Physical Therapy License. To apply, visit: https://bit.ly/4ny7g4N

11/18/2025

Your health matters — and so does antibiotic stewardship. Find out how urgent care balances effective treatment with avoiding overuse.

Learn about urgent care antibiotic prescribing, when it is appropriate, limits, and when to see your primary care provider or the ER.

11/17/2025

While headaches are common, migraines are a neurological condition that often require specialized care. See how they differ and when to talk to your doctor.

11/14/2025

Not all magnesium supplements are the same. See why magnesium L-threonate is getting attention and what you should know before trying it.

Learn about the potential benefits of magnesium L threonate, and when to contact your healthcare provider.

11/13/2025

As an advanced practice registered nurse, LaChelle has joined the Baptist Health team to offer you and your family care for life. Her services include everything from well visits and disease prevention to health maintenance and care for urgent conditions. LaChelle is accepting new patients and is ready to form a healthy partnership with you and your family.

To schedule an appointment, call 812.280.0413.

Baptist Health Medical Group Primary Care
7725 Highway 62, Charlestown, IN 47111
BaptistHealthMedicalGroup.com

11/13/2025

Did you know pets can positively impact mental health? From lowering stress levels to providing comfort during difficult times, animals can play a meaningful role in emotional well-being.

11/12/2025

Struggling to get restful sleep with your CPAP? You're not alone. Get expert tips to improve your comfort and sleep routine in this article.

For people with obstructive sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a common treatment. A CPAP machine, which is used while...