12/09/2023
We’re pleased to announce the DAISY regional award winners who have earned praise from patients, colleagues and families. Honored for the extraordinary care they give patients, these nurses are fully invested in their patients’ recoveries. Here’s what makes them special:
Critical Illness Recovery Hospitals DAISY Winners
Select Specialty Hospital – Fort Smith: Brittany Nichols
Brittany was described by her nominator, a patient, as an “angel” and an “outstanding nurse in every aspect.” The patient gives Brittany credit for helping him get off of supplemental oxygen by assisting him into and out of his wheelchair and walking with him through the hospital. The patient also mentioned that Brittany treated him with “more care than anyone has shown me before.”
Select Specialty Hospital – Northwest Detroit: Dannielle Steen
Dannielle was nominated by a patient’s wife for being open about procedures, maintaining a positive attitude and always being available when the patient or his family were stressed or overwhelmed. The nominator also noted an appreciation for Dannielle’s skills and abilities, especially her knack for minimizing needle sticks during blood draws.
Select Specialty Hospital – Tallahassee: George Kaplan
George was nominated by a patient’s family for the exceptional care he provided after a life-changing accident left his patient with an amputation and severe depression. The nominator noted that George was by the patient’s side during all wound dressing changes and remained after they were done to continue reassuring her. “He even went to Publix to buy her Eucerin cream and helped apply it to her skin to keep the itching down and make the healing process easier.”
Select Specialty Hospital – San Diego: Jennifer Amador
Jennifer was nominated four different times. Every nominator pointed out Jennifer’s compassionate care and skilled nursing. One family noted that Jennifer always made sure that their dad was okay. Another family said that it was the first time they had ever encountered a nurse like Jennifer. Her nominators all thanked her for her diligent care and loving nature.
Select Specialty Hospital – North Knoxville: Sara Yarbrough
Sara was nominated by a patient for always being caring and attentive. “She helped me overcome my fear of the BiPAP … because of her I am getting to go home,” said the patient. Sara used coffee, “my weak spot,” to entice the patient to use her BiPAP mask for short periods of time until she was no longer wary of putting it on. “I love Sara for what she did for me,” said the patient. Sara’s chief nursing officer mentioned that this is just one example of “consistent behaviors demonstrated by Sara as part of her delivery of care.”
Select Specialty Hospital – Phoenix: Verona “Maxine” Coffy
Maxine was nominated by a patient’s family and four colleagues. The family noted Maxine’s attention to detail, caring nature and willingness to go above and beyond for patients and their family. Her colleagues pointed out Maxine’s compassion for her patients, her dedication as a role model for new graduate nurses and her ability to put a patient’s family at ease.
Select Specialty Hospital – Flint: William Bowling
William was nominated four times by patients and family. All nominators pointed to his attentive, compassionate care as part of the reason for his selection. “Where do I start? Will is the best,” said one patient. “He sat and talked to me and made me feel better.” William was commended for his patience in explaining procedures to patients and family and always having the time to answer questions.
Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals DAISY Winners
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Dallas: Amir Beshir
Amir was nominated for his compassion, kindness and willingness to connect with patients. He goes above and beyond, continually checking in on his patients to make sure they feel comfortable. His nominating patient said that, “Upon my arrival, he did everything in his power to make my welcome as comfortable and easy as possible ... He is so deserving of this award because he cares so much for his patients, he loves his job and is a welcoming face at the rehab program.”
Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital - Beachwood: Verncia Hopkins
Verncia “Vern” Hopkins was nominated by the family of a patient who called her stay at the hospital “amazing” because of Vern’s caring nature. “Vern took such great care of mom’s every need, as well as ours,” the family wrote. “She answered all of our many questions without hesitation. Vern spent extra time to educate us all on our mother’s skin care and new medical needs so we had the confidence to take her home safely. This was a blessing to us and it helped us better care for our mother.” While the family called all of the hospital’s staff “helpful and supportive,” they said that Vern and her nursing assistant made an especially great team. “We can’t thank them enough for the care our mother received.”
Banner Rehabilitation Hospital East: Mary Grace Reformado
Mary Grace Reformado received four nominations from patients, all of whom praised her pleasant, caring and attentive nature. “Mary helped me through my rehabilitation journey,” one patient wrote. “She made me want to get better. Without her, I probably would have asked to go home early.” Another patient shared how Mary made her feel important “from the first time I met her,” adding, “Mary was so kind and braided my hair at night. She was always cheerful and helpful. She explained my medications to me, especially the potential side effects.” Mary “brightened the room with her presence,” stated a patient and nominator.
Helen M. Simpson Rehabilitation Hospital: Tara Clark
Tara was nominated for her gentle bedside manner, attentiveness and compassion. Her nominating patient noted her gratitude for Tara’s soft-spoken support during, “the hardest thing I’ve had to do in my 83 years” and Tara’s consideration in taking care of all her needs and requests. The patient extended “a big thank you” to Tara. “I’m humbled by her loving care and will be forever grateful.”
