Aya Brag Board

Elva is praised for her generous care

A patient praised Elva for her generosity and thoughtfulness.

The patient wrote, “I had to have an appendectomy while pregnant, and I couldn’t eat, but obviously needed to. All I wanted was a yogurt, and I didn’t know the hospital didn’t have any. I called and asked for a yogurt and immediately had one. Later she asked if it was good and if I could keep it down. I said yes, it was the best yogurt I had ever had. I asked for another, and she said, ‘I wish I had another, but that was actually my snack from my lunch box.’ When she said that, it made me feel so cared for. She truly went above and beyond. She deserves recognition for her generosity and outstanding job as a nurse.”

Elva, thank you for your generosity and the thoughtful care you provide your patients. We appreciate everything you do. Keep it up! ...

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Anthony is praised for his kindness and quality care

Anthony’s manager and patient both praised Anthony for going above and beyond with his care.

The manager wrote, “Last week we had a patient who needed an MRI who had an extensive amount of matted hair which interfered with the scan. She had grown her hair for some time, but had a stroke earlier in the year. Anthony spent about an hour cutting her hair in a way that still preserved her dignity. Anthony often goes above and beyond to help his coworkers and seamlessly fits in with the rest of the staff. He is a pleasure to work with.”

The patient wrote, “Anthony, thank you so much for your patience, kindness and overall caring and considerate attitude. I’ve felt self-conscious because of my hair for so, so long. Your consistent kindness, encouragement and thoughtful words helped me feel less ashamed and power forward. I really wish there were more people in the world as kind as you! Thank you so much for your thoughtful, thorough care. You made me feel like losing 15-plus years of hair growth wasn’t a big deal. I appreciate you very much. If I ever have to be hospitalized again, I hope to have you or someone just like you!”

Anthony, the quality care you give makes a huge difference to your patients. Your team appreciates you, and so do we! Keep up the amazing work! ...

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Chi Chi receives a DAISY Award nomination

A patient nominated Chi Chi for the DAISY Award for treating her patient not just as a patient, but as a person

The patient said, “I spent several days in the hospital after a knee surgery. It was painful, exhausting and honestly one of the most vulnerable times I’ve experienced. While every nurse took care of my medical needs, what made Chi Chi different was the way she connected with me. She talked with me, not just to me. She shared pieces of her own life, listened to mine, laughed with me and made me feel like more than a patient. I genuinely looked forward to those conversations because they gave me a break from thinking about my pain. She has such a warm, easygoing personality that made it feel like I was talking to someone I’d known for years. As someone who works in healthcare, I know those moments aren’t part of a checklist. You can’t chart genuine human connection. You can’t teach someone to make another person feel seen, understood and cared for. That’s just who Chi Chi is. Long after I forget what my pain score was, I’ll remember how she made me feel. She made a difficult hospital stay feel a little less lonely, and that is a gift not every nurse has. She is everything a DAISY nurse should be.”

Congratulations on the DAISY Award nomination, Chi Chi! Thank you for the quality care you provide your patients. Keep up the great work! ...

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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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