Aya Brag Board

Illiyah provides life-saving care during a crisis

While on her flight home from a recent assignment, Illiyah was just settling in when an urgent message over the intercom inquired if any medical professionals were on board. Illiyah jumped into action, quickly collaborating with the crew to provide vital care — administering medications, monitoring vitals and performing neurological checks throughout the flight. She stayed by the passenger’s side until landing, where an ambulance was waiting on the tarmac.

Delta Air Lines recognized Illiyah for her lifesaving efforts, writing: “It was fortunate to have you on board with us, and we are thankful for the assistance you provided. Medical Volunteers like yourself expand our in-flight response capabilities and help us in our mission to protect the health and safety of our customers and our crew.”

When asked what was going through her mind in the moment, Illiyah replied, “I was most concerned about safety for everyone. I wanted to prevent any harm and also provide as much support as I could.”

You truly embody what it means to be a caregiver, Illiyah. We’re proud to have you on the Aya team. ...

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A colleague nominates Andria for the DAISY Award

A colleague nominated Andria for a DAISY Award for her exceptional leadership and compassionate care.

The colleague wrote, “I want to nominate Andria for the DAISY Award for her exceptional skill, leadership and compassion during a recent emergency on our postpartum unit. During what started as a routine shift, a newborn unexpectedly went into severe distress and required immediate life-saving intervention. Andria responded without hesitation. With calm, clear leadership, she immediately initiated a code and led the team through critical resuscitation efforts.  Andria demonstrated extraordinary clinical competence. She efficiently coordinated the team, ensured the appropriate interventions were performed quickly and effectively and remained focused throughout the entire event. Thanks to her quick thinking and skilled actions, the baby was successfully stabilized and transferred for further care, and its life was saved. Beyond her clinical excellence, Andria’s compassion shone through. Even amidst the urgency, she provided calm reassurance to the family and emotional support to her colleagues. She exemplified the values of nursing and the spirit of teamwork that we strive for every day on the postpartum unit. Andria’s dedication, professionalism and compassion make her truly deserving of this DAISY Award. Her actions not only saved a life but also inspired everyone who witnessed her leadership that day. We are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team.”

Congratulation on the DAISY Award nomination, Andria! Your team appreciates your leadership and quality care. Keep up the great work! ...

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Jay is nominated for the DAISY Award

A patient’s family member nominated Jay for a DAISY Award for his incredible and thoughtful care.

“We would have been lost without Jay. He was our guiding force during the scariest moments we could imagine for our family. My father, who has dementia and is experiencing delirium, was immediately put at ease by Jay. When there was a delay in getting the pharmacist to approve his medication, Jay was an excellent advocate in getting the process moving. He kept my father comfortable and safe in the worst of circumstances. Being in the ED is always scary, and doubly so with a father who is experiencing complications from dementia. Jay was able to share his experience with dementia patients, as well as his own experience, in a professional and helpful way. IU Health has so many good nurses, but Jay was a great nurse who was able to take care of every human in the room, not just the patient. He helped to secure a more comfortable chair for my mother as she stayed overnight, which was crucial for her. When I came back in at 6 a.m., he had coffee in my hand within two minutes – something I didn’t even have to ask for. He took the time to explain what we were seeing on the monitors and what my father was experiencing, answering every question with care. We would not have wanted anyone else by his side to help us navigate this difficult process.”

Congratulations on the DAISY Award nomination, Jay. Thank you for all you do! ...

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Josh is praised for his exceptional care

Josh received a shout-out from his manager for jumping into action with courage and dedication to care for patients during a storm.

His manager shared, “I wanted to take a moment to let you know how proud we are of Josh. Friday afternoon, around 3 p.m., our building was directly in the path of the recent tornadoes. When I say that the area took a direct hit, I mean direct. No siren warned the staff of the oncoming tornado, they reacted independently after looking out the windows and seeing the danger. The manager had already left for the day, leaving the unit in Josh’s capable hands. Josh was able to direct the staff to get our 19 patients to safety. He dealt with a difficult patient during this emergency while keeping other patients safe, and the immediate aftermath, which included loss of power and air conditioning, limited meal service, and limited water. Josh and several other staff members had damage done to their cars, adding stress and extra pressure to the day. He communicated with leadership, advocated for staff and patients, and kept positive and calm, not only during the event, but during the next two shifts as well, as the area struggled to recover.  Josh came to work ready to do his job despite how he was personally affected by the storm. We know the amazing man that Josh is, so this came as no surprise to us. We just wanted to make sure that you knew what a great employee you have at Aya. We will miss him dearly when his contract ends this year.”

Josh, thank you for ensuring your patients get the quality care they need, no matter the circumstance. Your team appreciates you, and so do we! ...

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Devon receives a DAISY Award nomination

A patient nominated Devon for a DAISY Award for her exceptional care during her labor.

The patient wrote, “I just had my first baby two days ago and had an exceptional experience. I was petrified of giving birth, but Devon was incredibly kind, skilled and professional. I felt like I was in good hands the entire time. She was empathetic when the labor pain became intense, offering encouragement and clear direction. Her skill allowed her to recognize that my baby was in an unideal position, and she helped me adjust for the easiest birth I could have imagined. Devon went the extra mile, and I could tell she gives that same level of care every day. It was truly admirable. I felt that she was genuinely happy for me. I’m so grateful for her care.”

Congratulations on the DAISY Award nomination, Devon. Keep up the great work! ...

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Luisa receives a DAISY Award nomination

A patient nominated Luisa for a DAISY Award for her dedicated care.

The patient wrote, “My night was very difficult, but in the morning, this angel came. She cleaned me up and removed my catheter. I was so afraid, but she was gentle. She changed my dressings when nobody else wanted to and showed my wife how to change them. She walked me to the bathroom and made sure I felt cared for. The best six hours of my entire stay were when Luisa took care of me. I have had good nurses, but she was exemplary in every way. She got me ready to go home, walked me to the car and made sure I did not leave until I knew my medications. She made me feel like I was the only person she was taking care of. She is an angel.”

Luisa, your quality care means so much to your patients, and we appreciate the work you do, too! Congratulations on your DAISY Award nomination! ...

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Barbara receives a DAISY Award nomination

A patient nominated Barbara for a DAISY Award for her outstanding care and support.

The patient wrote, “As a new mother, I was nervous and anxious, but from the moment I arrived at the birth center, Barbara comforted me and helped me know what to expect. She was not my nighttime nurse as I labored, but the next morning, I was pleased to see her sweet face come in despite being in so much pain. She ended up catching my sweet baby as the doctor entered the room at shift change. She coached me the whole time and assured me everything would be okay. I had truly never received such good care during a hospital stay. She also helped me with all my postpartum care and advocated for me the entire stay. I am so grateful to have her as part of my birth story.”

Congratulations on the DAISY Award nomination, Barbara. Your patients appreciate your quality care, and so do we! ...

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Rachel receives a DAISY Award

Rachel won a DAISY Award for the profound impact she had on a patient and their family.

She was nominated for the award by a patient’s family member, who wrote, “My mom was severely injured and still had blood in her hair when we arrived at Piedmont. Rachel cleaned her up, washed her hair, made my mom feel comfortable and even made her an Easter basket before we left. She was truly an angel and our saving grace. My mom has dementia, but still speaks of how sweet Rachel was to her. That is how much of an impact she had on our family.”

Congratulations on your DAISY Award, Rachel! Your patients and their family members appreciate your quality care. Keep up the great work! ...

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Matt is recognized by a team member

A team member praised Matt for his team player mentality and dedication to helping his patients.

They wrote, “I want to recognize Matthew for the professionalism and heart he brings to his assignment. He is one of the most respectful and genuine individuals I’ve encountered. He shared thoughtful feedback with me that will improve some of our processes, and it was clear his intentions were rooted in a genuine desire to support the team and make a positive impact. What stood out the most was how much he seemed to care — not just about the job, but about embodying what a traveler is truly meant to be: someone who steps up to help. I can see how deeply he values the role and his commitment to being a team player. He showed that his heart is absolutely in his work, and I wanted to make sure that didn’t go unrecognized. Thank you!”

Way to go, Matt! Your teammates appreciate you, and so do we. Keep up the great work! ...

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