Aya Brag Board

Doug receives the DAISY Award

Doug won the DAISY Award for his exceptional professionalism, compassion and clinical excellence.

The nomination stated, “Our unit experienced a distressing event when a staff member suffered a life-altering medical emergency at work. Doug responded without hesitation. With calm urgency and clinical precision, he took decisive action to ensure our colleague was safely transported to the emergency department. His rapid response was instrumental in ensuring the best possible outcome. Equally impactful was Doug’s compassion and advocacy beyond the clinical response. When challenges arose in reaching the staff member’s emergency contact, Doug went above and beyond to notify the staff member’s family and ensured our colleague was not alone. Since this event, our team has been navigating the emotional weight of this situation. Doug’s presence and the humanity he demonstrated had a lasting impact on the care provided and the emotional resilience of the team. His actions exemplify the clinical excellence, empathy, leadership and selflessness that define extraordinary nursing practice. He was a steady, compassionate presence in one of the most challenging situations a team can face, and his impact will not be forgotten.”

Congratulations on receiving the DAISY Award, Doug. Your quality care has made a significant impact on those around you. Keep up the great work! ...

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Mikel, Joseph and Kalyn are praised by a colleague

A colleague recognized Mikel, Joseph and Kalyn for their compassion, initiative and dedication to creating a memorable experience for their patients.

The colleague wrote, “When the circus was coming to town, Mikel and Joseph didn’t just have a great idea — they took the initiative to see it through. They thoughtfully considered what this experience could mean for our residents and followed the proper channels to gain approval and make it happen. They helped secure an ADA-accessible wheelchair bus, coordinated transportation and ensured our residents could safely attend and enjoy the event. Once there, they made the day memorable by purchasing snow cones, cotton candy and popcorn for the residents out of their own pockets while remaining attentive, kind and patient throughout the experience. Kalyn added an especially meaningful touch by bringing a Polaroid camera and taking keepsake photos for the residents to remember the day. What stood out most was the compassion shown by all three staff members. Thank you, Mikel, Joseph and Kalyn, for making such a difference in the lives of our residents and for reminding us that healthcare is about creating moments of joy, dignity, and connection.”

Mikel, Joseph, and Kalyn, thank you for going above and beyond for your patients and for the quality care you provide. Your team appreciates you, and so do we! ...

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Sydney is nominated for the DAISY Award

A patient nominated Sydney for the DAISY Award for her exceptional compassion and teamwork.

The patient wrote, “Sydney took care of me on one of the scariest nights of my life. I developed a concerning rash on my hands that was spreading up my arms, and she immediately helped calm my fears. She explained what was happening, what our plan was and how we would treat it. Rather than creating more anxiety, she brought kindness, reassurance and a sense of calm. I don’t typically take medications, and the treatment made me very nauseous. I spent some time in the restroom trying to compose myself. Instead of leaving me alone, Sydney sat with me, comforted me, and even brought my nausea medication to me so I could start feeling better sooner. Sydney went above and beyond to care for me. Her compassion, advocacy and ability to meet me where I was made an incredibly difficult experience so much easier. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of a DAISY Award than Sydney. Thank you for the exceptional care and kindness you showed me that night.”

Congratulations on the DAISY Award nomination, Sydney! Thank you for your compassionate work. Your patients appreciate it, and so do we! ...

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Catherine receives a DAISY Award nomination

A patient nominated Catherine for the DAISY Award for her extraordinary support, encouragement and advocacy during a challenging 24-hour labor.

The patient wrote, “I was in labor for 24 exhausting hours. After such a prolonged and grueling process, we had reached a point where even the doctor believed a C-section was the only option left. However, Catherine stepped in with absolute conviction and a deep commitment to my wishes. She looked at us and said, ‘We will try a normal delivery.’ When I was completely drained and ready to give up, Catherine became my strength. She stayed by my side, encouraging and coaching me through every minute. She poured confidence into me when I had none left, reminding me of my own power. She kept telling me, ‘You can do this. You are the mother, and a mother can do anything for her baby.’ Her motivating words and unwavering faith in me were exactly what I needed. Because of her exceptional advocacy, encouragement and support, I successfully delivered my baby. Catherine didn’t just provide medical care; she established a profound emotional connection with us, treated us like family and kept my wishes at the center of her care. She is a phenomenal nurse and embodies everything the DAISY Award represents. Our family is forever grateful to her.”

Way to go, Catherine! Congratulations on the well-deserved DAISY Award nomination. Your patients appreciate your amazing care, and so do we! ...

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Chelsea is nominated for the DAISY Award

A nursing student nominated Chelsea for the DAISY Award for her inspiring care!

The student wrote, “When I was first paired with Chelsea on my advanced med-surg clinical unit, she immediately took me under her wing. She sat down and listened to her patients and took time to get to know them. I watched her gracefully help a patient with dementia learn that Chelsea was there to help them as a loving member of their care team. She effortlessly supported a patient with very large needs. She not only taught me how to open medications, give shots and review medication records, but also how to truly touch the life of the person you’re caring for. I’ve never seen another nurse with the true gift to step back and take care of the whole person, holistically, as well as Chelsea. She encouraged me, supported me and guided me on how to become the best nursing student I could be. She let me talk through my frustrations when I was stressed, told me I was going to be just fine and winked, which truly made me feel okay. She took care of me like her patients, with the utmost respect and kindness. Chelsea is what the DAISY Award represents. I hope to be half the outstanding nurse that Chelsea is. Thank you for everything, Chelsea. You have truly shaped the nurse that I want to become.”

Congratulations on the DAISY Award nomination, Chelsea. You are a great example to your patients and team members. Thank you for your quality care. ...

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Michael receives a DAISY Award nomination

A patient nominated Michael for the DAISY Award for the positive impact he made on their recovery.

The patient wrote, “Mike truly is a treasure. The clinical care I received while he was my nurse stood out. Mike went far above and beyond his responsibilities to help me in my recovery. He helped me gain the confidence to walk the distance I should have been walking and provided me with the opportunity to walk out of the ward and enjoy a beautiful lake view of the lake. I never would have pushed myself that much if it weren’t for Mike, yet that was what I was actually capable of, and it was of great help in my recovery. His sense of humor was equal to no one else I encountered while at the hospital. It was the perfect distraction at the times I needed it most. It also humanized the care. He took a personal interest in my recovery, tailoring his care to my actual needs. Even after he was assigned to a different floor, he came to my room during his break to check on me and see how I was doing. When I was readmitted to the hospital due to some ‘bumps in the road’ to a full recovery, Mike came to my room after his shift to see how I was. Who does that? No one else I have ever met. Besides all that and more, he is a genuinely nice person. Personally, I think he should go back to school and become a doctor. He’s that good. Whatever recognition you can bestow upon him, it is well deserved.”

Michael, thank you for the genuine and quality care you provide your patients. Congratulations on the DAISY Award nomination! ...

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Mallory receives multiple DAISY Award nominations

Mallory received multiple DAISY Award nominations highlighting her compassionate care.

One nominator wrote, “When my uncle suddenly took a turn for the worse overnight, everything felt overwhelming and frightening. Mallory quickly jumped in and called the rapid response team to make sure he received the care he needed. She became our sense of stability and reassurance. What touched us even more was her genuine kindness. Mallory treated my uncle with dignity, gentleness and respect, making sure he was comfortable and never alone. She also cared deeply for our family, taking the time to support us while providing excellent medical care. We felt this was more than a job to her — she cared from the heart. Our family will always be grateful for the difference she made. Her compassion, quick thinking and dedication are exactly what the DAISY Award stands for. She is truly an extraordinary nurse, and we feel blessed that she was there for my uncle and our family.”

Congratulations on the multiple DAISY Award nominations, Mallory! Your quality care means the world to your patients and their families. Keep it up! ...

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Dan is praised for his compassionate care

A patient praised Dan for the compassionate care he provided.

The patient wrote, “When I arrived in the unit following a cardiac bypass surgery, it felt as if the universe delivered the perfect nurse for me. Dan is a very special person. My primary issue was the uncontrollable pain. My ribs hurt to the point I couldn’t breathe or rest against the bed or pillows. Everyone understood the pain would improve, but that didn’t help in the moment. Dan took charge. He found pillows and carefully positioned me until I could rest. He paid close attention, watching how I slept and adjusting things to keep me comfortable. If I woke up, he was there, making changes and preparing ahead so he wouldn’t have to disturb me again. When the pain continued, he didn’t just ask for a number — he made a plan. He suggested a combination of things to manage it so I could finally get some relief. It wasn’t just what he did, but how he did it. He anticipated my needs, stayed present and focused on my comfort. I truly believe the rest I got directly led to the successful outcome I had for the rest of the week. This level of caregiving isn’t taught. It’s a gift, a passion and a talent. Dan has that rare gift.”

Thank you for your thoughtful and compassionate care, Dan. It means the world to your patients. Keep up the good work! ...

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Nathan wins an Employee of the Month award

Nathan won an Employee of the Month award at a facility.

Several coworkers and patients contributed to his nomination. They said, “Nathan provided excellent customer service and patient care. He made the entire experience easy and helped me feel safe and relaxed throughout. He takes the time to explain everything clearly, ensuring patients are as comfortable as possible. He treats patients with respect and like friends, which makes a big difference. I would request him for every MRI. He also went above and beyond by providing a warm blanket, music and a mirror so I could see out and feel less claustrophobic. He is very knowledgeable about emerging MRI technologies, and overall, the experience was a breeze because of him.”

Congratulations on winning Employee of the Month, Nathan. Your coworkers and patients appreciate the work you do, and so do we! ...

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