Kayla Hoff, RN, 4 South, was recently recognized with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses winner at SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® is part of The DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day. The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. Nurses may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. The award recipient is chosen by the Professional Development Council at St. Agnes Hospital based on specific criteria to receive The DAISY Award. Awards are presented to one recipient on a quarterly basis at celebrations attended by the honoree’s colleagues, patients, and visitors. Hoff was nominated by a patient who wrote:
“I was in the hospital six days and had 15 RNs managing my care during that time. I am a retired NP. Kayla stands out to me because of her confident and calming demeaner. I was impressed by Kayla’s ability to answer my technical questions and reassure me. Kayla took time to listen and assess all my vital signs and symptoms. I had complications. Kayla notified Dr. Milani with these issues and more, then formulated a new plan of care. Kayla was keen in her assessments. She did much more than the two second heart, lung, and bowel assessments done by so many of the other nurses. I know that Kayla actually took the time to fully assess me. She made me feel confident that I was in good hands. Kayla communicated with Dr. Milani and myself each time she or I had a concern. My condition was fluid, with elements of ongoing change in my condition noted through abnormal physical assessments, abnormal lab work, and X-rays. Kayla is an exceptional nurse in that her depth and breadth of knowledge of acute illness and critical nursing skills made a huge difference in my recovery. We all know that a cup of kindness also goes a long way. The day before discharge I finally had passage of my obstruction. Kayla helped with ALL that was required to meet my needs several times that evening. That was then I knew for sure that Kayla was a stellar nurse and a cut above the rest. She made sure that my dignity was intact during and after episodes. Her kindness went a long way with me. The one thing I will remember about my stay is Kayla RN. She is an extraordinary RN in her thought, words, and deeds.”
Hoff was recognized recently during a brief ceremony. She received a certificate commending her as an “Extraordinary Nurse.” The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” Honorees also receive a DAISY Award pin, and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night,” according to Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, president and co-founder of The DAISY Foundation. “Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human, extraordinary, compassionate work they do. The kind of work the nurses at St. Agnes Hospital are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”
Janice Kurth, RN, Medical/Surgical, was recently recognized with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses winner at SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital.
Kurth was nominated by a patient who wrote:
“Jan was an angel during my hospitalization at Ripon Community Hospital. She went above and beyond to always make sure that I was comfortable and had everything I needed tended to. She was amazing and I am very appreciative of her kind care.”
Kurth was recognized recently during a brief ceremony. She received a certificate commending her as an “Extraordinary Nurse.” The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” Honorees also receive a DAISY Award pin, and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.
“When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night,” according to Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, president and co-founder of The DAISY Foundation. “Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human, extraordinary, compassionate work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Ripon Community Hospital are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”
