Latest Daisy Award Winners and Recipients
Congratulations to each of our DAISY award recipients. Their incredible commitment to providing exceptional patient care is evidenced in each of their nomination stories listed below.
Layne Fulghum, RN: March 2024 DAISY Winner
Willson Hospice House
Watching a loved one transition is one of the hardest things a family can do. It takes someone with kindness and compassion to help both the patient and the family during this time. It was evident during our time at the Hospice House that not everyone is meant to be a hospice nurse. Then came our angel. Layne showed our family what a true hospice nurse looks like. She treated our dear mom with kindness, compassion, respect and allowed her to maintain her dignity during this difficult time. After each medication administration, Layne stayed to ensure that mom got relief from it. As mom continued to decline. Layne responded without having to be called. It was like she knew mom was in need of help. Layne spoke to mom with kindness and compassion even when mom could not respond back to her. Layne also took great care of the family. She explained everything to the best of her ability to help ease our minds. I wish I was better at putting things in words, so you would know just how much of an impact Layne made on this journey that week. We were so thankful that Layne was the nurse when mom transitioned to be with Jesus. She truly made things easier for both mom and us. I hope Layne never leaves the Hospice House so that she can continue to be a blessing to the families that need her. On behalf of the Everson family, we would like to thank Layne by nominating her for the Daisy Award. She is truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.
Congratulations Layne
Kim Heath, RN: February 2024 DAISY Winner
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
Kim has been a lifelong family friend and even lived next door to my parents for many years. Three years ago, she was a lifesaver for my father, as he was unresponsive in the backyard and all my mom had to do was shout for her, and she ran over and began CPR. She brought him back to life twice that afternoon. She has always been a great source of comfort with her vast knowledge of nursing because, if needed, she was always right there. I live in Monroe, Georgia and she always kept me updated on his condition with me not being there and him being so hardheaded to get him to do anything. Kim was there when they finally got him to agree to go to the hospital. Many times, I have heard of angels on earth. Now I know Kim Heath is one of those. My family and I will always owe her a debt of gratitude that we could never repay, but I know that is what Kim was born to do because she has done it so well for others for many years. I am sure that Kim has been nominated many times over the years, but she deserves this DAISY Award for always being on duty and being there to help with my daddy.
Congratulations Kim
Brenda Eggers, RN: February 2024 DAISY Winner
Phoebe Sumter Medical Center
I first met Brenda on Aug 29, 2023 when I underwent surgery. From the first moment she walked into my room, she was amazing. She always had an upbeat and positive attitude, she personalized my care and made me feel like I was part of her family.
She always made sure I was aware of the plan for the night, what medications she would be administering and why they were prescribed. Brenda always made me feel like I was important to her, and I would never have known if she had any other patients. She rounded on me more than I ever expected, and she ensured that my pain was controlled and always listed the next dose I could have on the whiteboard. When I had to go back for more surgery in September, she remembered me and talked with me about all the issues I was having and how we were going to solve my issues. The entire team on the 4th floor was amazing, but Brenda was exceptional. I have been in healthcare since 1997, and I am also a nurse, so I understand the true demands that the nursing staff deal with each shift. But Brenda made it seem like a piece of cake, the entire floor could have been on fire, and I would have never known because when Brenda was in the room, I was her top priority, and she was focused on me only.
I would trust Brenda to take care of my family any day and never worry if they were okay and coming from a fellow nurse that says a lot. Thank you to the entire team at Phoebe Sumter 4th floor. I will never forget how you made me feel and the great care you gave to me in my time of need. Bailey on day shift is amazing also!
Congratulations Brenda
Jennianne Williams Scoggins, RN: January 2024 DAISY Winner
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
My father had a very complicated health course after an elective surgery. He ultimately ended up in the CCU. Jennianne took care of him for 5 days straight from his arrival to CCU to his departure to surgery on her last day caring for him. During this time, Jennianne exceeded her job duties (All bedside family are ICU nurses)!
She listened to the patient and family concerns and advocated for my father, when the surgeon would not listen. She literally saved my father's life as he became septic and required immediate resuscitation and vasopressors. She is an exceptional ICU RN and compassionate. The entire CCU team of nurses were exceptional and gave my father great care. Jennianne was there for the good, the bad, and the really ugly, and she was professional and compassionate beyond our expectation.
Congratulations Rosa
Temika Graham, RN: October 2023 DAISY Winner
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
She comes in with a positive attitude always, no matter what is going on in her personal life. She always put others before herself. I've seen her miss meals just so a patient had the most excellent care. She always offers half of her lunch, if someone is hungry. She brings snacks and gifts for the crew and the patients. I am a new nurse and there was never a time that she didn't help me when I needed it. If she didn't know the answer, she would always find out the answer instead of giving up. She brings the team together. She promotes teamwork like no other. I'm always excited to work with her. Even fi we are in for a long, hard night, with her working with us, we can get through it.
She includes everyone and never makes you feel left out. She embraces the challenges that life throws at her instead of running from them. She is a true example of a superior nurse. You can trust her with your most beloved loved one and know that they are in the best hands. Her intelligence is beyond any that I have seen, and she always shares it. I wish I could do half of the things for her as she does for others. Even though she is fighting an aggressive disease, she still makes ti about others. I pray that GOD continues to bless her so she can continue to bless others.
Congratulations Temika
Josedario Espirtu, RN: August 2023 DAISY Winner
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
Darie is comforting and soothing. Darie's touch - he was careful and ensured that I was not being hurt and that I was comfortable. He shows genuine compassion, and he truly means what he says. I was coming out of anesthesia, and I could hear the nurses around me trying to get me to move or say something, but I was not able to. Several nurses came in and worked together and I could feel them holding my hand. They were trying to get me to say my name or blink and give them a sign I could hear them, but I could not move or speak. When it did not work, more people came in. This is when I could hear a voice as they were coming in and I heard him say "I know her, that's Ms. Theresa from Staffing." It was Darie and he stated, "she is one of us." Darie came to the bed and was calling my name and indicating it was Darie telling me "I am here." I recognized his voice and was confused and scared and began to cry because I was unsure if she was in the ICU I( know that is where Darie works). I remember him hugging me and wiping my tears away and he kept telling me to get better and he needed me to get better to send him some more nurses. I remember trying to smile, but nothing would happen. He continued to talk to me and telling me everything was okay. I remember feeling known because he knew exactly who I was. I thought I was crying because I was scared, but I was crying because he knew who I was. I believed what he said when he said I would be okay because it was genuine. He was comforting because of how genuine he was. I was given more medicine, but he continued to stay with me and hold my hand and at one point, I was attempting to say Darie and I was unsure if I was saying it out loud.
This interaction with him was a breakthrough for me because I was in a place of fear and darkness, I knew he was there. I do not think the staff knew I could hear them, but he continued to talk to me. It mattered to me that he continued to talk to me and was making everyone aware that he knew who I was and that I was a part of the Phoebe Family. I remember the Superior Service training and I continue to think about the man in the video and he went in the ER, and someone held his hand, and he knew they were there. I could relate to this because I could not talk or move, but there was someone with me and it made me feel like things really would be okay. I thought it was amazing because I hated the situation and circumstance, but I saw that training in action. This training was being lived out and no one was sure if they were being heard by me. It meant something to me that I was being treated so well and no one was around. They were doing this because they wanted to. I really appreciate not being left and that my care was explained even fi it was uncertain that I could hear or respond. This was just awesome. There was consistency from Phoebe at Meredyth all the way through the ER, Imaging, and to the floor.
Congratulations Josedario
Rosa Law, RN: July 2023 DAISY Winner
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
No one knows how many emotions a caretaker goes through in the POD. You are watching your loved one receive treatment to prolong life. Your mind is mush – so many questions bouncing around in your head!
On our first day in the POD, we met this nurse. We were scared to death and had no idea what to expect. When she opened the curtain, her sheer presence calmed us down – she showed such care and concern. She was so reassuring. She answered many questions that we thought were stupid but assured us they were not.
As you sit in the POD you feel like you are part of a family – patients and nurses! You can see the nurses hustling to care for their designated patients. The sense of caring is unreal.
This nurse assists all the nurses in the POD. Her expertise and guidance is obviously respected by everyone. I never heard her hesitate to help anyone. She is the backbone of the unit.
I feel this nurse should win this award as she has touched so many lives. With her knowledge and compassion, she makes the rough road easier! No one deserves it better – God Speed Rosa!
Congratulations Rosa
Robyn King, RN: June 2023 DAISY Winner
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
I have chills typing this and feel that, to some degree, I will be unable to adequately convey how special and valuable Robyn is to the nursing profession. There is a patient who I called Robyn about on a Friday afternoon, and I was upset after spending time with a family who was slowly losing the matriarch of their family. The family was extremely upset about the complex diagnosis and disease process and was lashing out. The family seemed to feel that this patient was ICU-appropriate, so I reached out to the MET nurse. Robyn willingly answered the call and was willing to walk into this difficult conversation and evaluate this patient and work to communicate with the family from a different perspective. Robyn came in and spent a lot of time with this family and called to update me afterward. However, this is not where it ended.
Fast-forward to the following week, and we have changed the plan of care and this very sick patient is on schedule for surgery. The morning the patient is scheduled to go to the operating room, there is a change in status and the patient is not stable for surgery. Early that morning, I contacted the MET nurse who happened to be Robyn, and asked if she would come and evaluate this patient. Robyn quickly arrived to the unit and was updated on the status and went to evaluate the patient. After evaluating the patient and making recommendations, we discussed at great length that we wanted this family to have a clear understanding of what was occurring with their wife, mother, and mother-in-law. Robyn and I made the decision to go to the room together and ensure that the family understood what was occurring and that their questions were answered to the absolute best of our ability. We entered the room together and Robyn positioned herself in a seat by the patient's husband and I stood at the bedside with the patient. The patient's husband and son were in the room at this time. It is important to mention that this patient's son has a very tough exterior and had previously been very difficult on my previous encounter. However, Robyn proceeded to explain what was going on and asked the family what their level of understanding was for all things discussed.
After this, Robyn began to fill in the gaps and continue to reinforce what she had discussed with them six days prior. after this discussion, the patient's son seemed to be somewhat angry, but understanding of the information provided by Robyn. By the time Robyn had completed the discussion, the family was going to further discuss the hospice option with their other family members. Robyn asked if she could pray with the patient's husband and her son and they were agreeable. I placed my hand on the patient and Robyn stayed with the husband, and Robyn prayed over this family and the decisions they were making. I had a lot of difficulty fighting tears through the entire conversation because it was apparent how loved this patient is by her family and the patient's husband mentioned that she was the matriarch of their family. During the prayer, I quickly became a crying mess and exited the room at the conclusion with the intention to return. However, Robyn hugged the patient's husband and the patient's son. The patient's son who presents with a very tough exterior broke down when hugging Robyn. Robyn came out to the breakroom and she had a moment in which she became emotional while I was still trying to find some sort of composure. I hugged Robyn and let her know that life was coming full circle for me today because it was exactly one year ago on this day that I left work and went home to give my grandmother, who was on hospice, her last dose of Morphine before she passed away. I do not think that I could ever adequately convey how beautifully broken but full my heart felt after witnessing this discussion. The 365 days I have grieved the loss of my grandmother came out in a quiet cry at the bedside of this patient and her family. Robyn is so deserving of recognition for her compassion and heart. I will remember this moment for the rest of my life. I felt that this was a beautiful remembrance on the anniversary of my grandmother's passing, and I was able to go in and speak with the family and be transparent about that after I collected myself. I am praying for a hospital full of people like Robyn who will love our patients and their families through the most difficult and life-changing situations.
Congratulations Robyn
MICU Team: May 2023 DAISY Winner
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
In healthcare, we are faced with very unique and abstract opportunities daily when it comes to caring for our patients. Recently the team in MICU participated in caring for an individual that will be in their hearts forever. A young male patient came into MICU and required care that didn’t include monitors and vital signs - these individuals needed nurses in the truest form. He was initially resistant to care and societal norms. Nurses and staff in MICU were prepared for the challenge and brought in snacks, drinks, toys, and more than anything they brought in patience and understanding. Daily meetings were held by every realm of healthcare to ensure optimal care and placement for this individual ranging from our CNO, director, managers, behavior health team, case management, safety sitters, security, doctors, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, critical care tech, and nurses.
Rodrick John, known to his coworkers as Richie, spent countless days with this patient and loved every minute of it. He brought in his electronics from home to distract this patient from the high-intensity environment of the ICU.
David Hawkins, an MICU nurse, volunteered to ride with this patient to his new location so that he could be a familiar face and reduce anxiety during transit. David spent the night away from home, in a hospital, to help aid in the best interest of the patient.
In addition to the two previously named nurses that provided outstanding care during difficult circumstances, the following nurses also went above and beyond expectations to optimize the patient outcome:
- David Hawkins
- Michael Robinson
- Keith Billings
- Seth Hendley
- Seth Gardner
- Bill Mensching
- Romulo Balitaan
- Michael Wells
- David Phinazee
- Dana Lanew
- Hyun Jin Lee
While it was a collective effort, the nurses mentioned worked 1:1 with the patient and devoted their entire shift to thinking out of the box. Their impact goes far deeper than we will ever know and that in itself is an honor. In all the years of working in intensive care, we have never seen such dedication to patient care. Caring for this patient is proof that nursing is a work of art but most importantly a work of HEART.
Congratulations MICU team
Maggie Brown, RN and Alex Heath, RN: May 2023 DAISY Winners
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
A 25-year-old male presented to the EC with a history of Autism. On arrival, the patient demonstrates symptoms appropriate to Autism. The patient is nonverbal; very little information was provided by the care home that brought him to the EC. Maggie Brown, RN was the primary nurse who cared for the patient. Maggie’s compassion, patience, and willingness to adapt clinical interventions to meet the patient’s needs but also keep him and the staff safe. Maggie went above and beyond to accommodate the patient’s needs.
Alex Heath, RN was the day shift nurse who assumed care of the patient after the patient had become increasingly agitated and aggressive towards the staff while being in the EC BH unit. Alex demonstrated compassion and patience, and adapted to ensure the needs of the patient were met.
The patient was agitated, uncooperative, and aggressive at times, but Alex redirected him very calmly. Alex was very patient, identified triggers for the patient, and made every effort to remove them (such as large groups). He never demonstrated frustration with the patient when he was being aggressive or uncooperative. Alex focused on the patient and ensuring his safety.
Alex was later notified that the patient enjoyed Christmas music, so he went into the room and played it on his cell phone. Alex created a relationship of trust with the patient during his time of caring for him. The patient was very receptive to Alex and began cooperating by taking his medication and getting back in bed.
The EC team demonstrated excellent teamwork to ensure that the patient was properly cared for and safe while he was in the department.
Congratulations Maggie and Alex
Kamir Suharto, RN: April 2023 DAISY Winner
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
Kamir Suharto, RN, was recently awarded the DAISY Award at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skills and compassionate care given by nurses every day.
Kamir, who is a nurse in the critical care unit at Phoebe’s main campus, was nominated for the DAISY Award by a co-worker. “The nickname "Hart" couldn't be more appropriate for him. Hart's continued love for his work is what I appreciate the most about him. He always advocates for the patients in the unit and works hard to give them everything they need,” wrote the co-worker.
According to the nomination letter, one time Kamir made a small happy birthday banner that he put on a cheesecake for a COVID patient when visitation was restricted. After giving the patient the sweet treat, Kamir went to the nurse’s station and had the staff sing happy birthday to the patient over the nurse call system.
“One big thing that everyone will notice about Hart [Kamir] is his love for singing. Just recently Hart sang over a patient that was at her end of life. While family members watched, Hart sang over this patient while she passed away. The family watch and listened as Hart’s voice carried through the walls of CCU. This family was so thankful for him as he gave the patient something she requested of him days prior to,” added Kamir’s colleague.
Congratulations Kamir
Danielle Haggins, RN: March 2023 DAISY Winner
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
"In the past 7 or 8 years that I have worked at Phoebe, I don't think I have ever voted for anyone for the Daisy Award until now. When I first met Danielle Haggins on Acute Care 1, I was instantly reminded of myself. I saw a nurse who loved her job and her patients! Danielle always arrives to work with a positive attitude and a smile on her face. She shows compassion with each one of her patients, always going above and beyond. I have entered her patients’ rooms on numerous occasions and witnessed her just having a friendly conversation with a lonely patient or comforting them while they are ill. Her energy and love for taking care of her patients is undeniable. Danielle not only meets the criteria of a Daisy but is one of the most compassionate nurses at Phoebe.
On one occasion, Danielle took the time to brush knots out of her patient’s hair who had been in the unit for over a week. The process took over half an hour, but Danielle made time to help the patient while educating her on her diagnosis. On another occasion, Danielle visited a patient on the floor who she had taken care of the previous week. She spent several minutes in the patient’s room encouraging him to take better care of himself and take his medications. Her caring goes above the job of a nurse. She reaches out to help anyone she can, whether it is a patient, co-worker, or comforting a family member.
It is with great honor and pleasure to nominate Danielle Haggins as a Daisy."
Congratulations Danielle
Tammy Dennard, RN: February 2023 DAISY Winner
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
"Tammy has taken care of my mother, my husband, and my father over the past 5 or more years in the Radiation Oncology Department in some form or fashion. My parents both suffered from cancer as well as my husband and through it all, Tammy has been one of the most special nurses that I have had the pleasure of coming in contact with.
I myself am a nurse. Therefore, I can make it very difficult for those taking care of my family by asking way too many questions and demanding the very best care at all times. I never questioned that from the very first time I met Tammy. I felt like she had my family's best interest at heart. She made each of my family members feel like they were getting the very best care, that they were her top priority at all times, and that they were always going to be catered to with the care that she would give her own family members. She made me and my sister feel like she was taking care of our parents like they were her own parents.
She never missed a phone call, and she never hesitated to call us right back to answer any questions that either of us had, and we had many of them! She always made sure that the Oncologist returned our calls in a timely manner with all the answers or questions we have asked. When my husband was there, she again treated him like he was family. I was never treated like I should know this process even though I had already been through it so many times with other family members. She treated me like it was my first time learning again the process so that I would understand what was happening to THIS family member. Each family member had a different type of cancer. Each one had a different type of treatment and each one needed different care. She made sure that they each received the care that they needed that day!"
"Tammy is a phenomenal nurse. She goes above and beyond every day. She met me early in the morning because I work the night shift and I needed to get prescriptions for my family member, so she came in early to meet me just so they could have their medications. She has stayed late to help out a family member to get into the sick clinic so that they would not have to be admitted into the hospital. She has arranged calls to physicians to help coordinate care so that we could avoid hospitalizations when we really did not need them and unnecessary ER visits also.
These are things that not every nurse is willing to do for a patient. The thing about it is, it was not just one of my family members, it was all three of them. So, I know that she goes above and beyond for more than just my family. I have seen her working with other patients when I have been at the office, and she treats everyone with the love and care that she does my family. She is the true meaning of a Daisy Award. She is the Sunshine that makes the Daisy grow."
Congratulations Tammy
Lauren Alvey, RN: January 2023 DAISY Winner
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
"After transporting my sedated patient to the PACU, my nurse, Lauren Alvey, immediately noticed that my patient had converted to a wide-complex tachycardia while trying to detect pedal pulses. She quickly assessed the patient's radial pulses for validation of the rhythm on the monitor. She immediately alerted the attending anesthesia doctor.
In my 20-yrs of anesthesia practice, what impressed me most was that this brand-new nurse, with only 6-mos of experience, simultaneously detected the arrhythmia whilst determined to capture a pedal pulse at the other end of the monitor (which was partially obscured by the IV drips).
This is not the only instance I've noticed Mrs. Alvey's dedication, compassion, and astute nursing skills in action. Another such occasion was just last week when she was concerned about another patient's respiratory status incongruent with her physical assessment and the monitor's readout.
I am proud to nominate such a keen and highly skillful new nurse as Lauren Alvey, RN. She's a great pleasure to work with, and our Phoebe family is honored by this gem of an employee. Every day she demonstrates her dedication and love for each of her patients."
Congratulations Lauren
Raney Law, RN: January 2023 DAISY Winner
Phoebe Sumter Medical Center
Phoebe Sumter Medical Center recently awarded Raney Law, RN, with the DAISY Award. The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skills and compassionate care given by nurses every day.
According to the nomination letter, Raney, who works in the operating room, went above and beyond for the patient who had to have emergency surgery. “She not only advocated for me while under anesthesia, but she also kept my family up to date on my progress,” wrote the patient.
The patient, who also is a Phoebe Family member, said she knew her care was in the best hands. “I have always been proud to be part of such a loving work family and my experience with surgical, emergency, med-surg and housekeeping departments confirmed what I already knew. It’s an honor and a blessing to be here and to have had the care I was given. Thank you to Raney and Dr. Sheff!” continued the patient.
Congratulations Raney