DAISY Award / Sister Gramen Gratitude Award

On November 4, 2022, Kalyn Thurman, RN, registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at Saint Francis Medical Center, received the DAISY Award. Thurman’s nominators describe her as empathetic, caring, patient, strong, kind and an advocate for her patients. “Kalyn is the kind of nurse I would want to care for me or anyone else in my family,” one nominator states. “When we come to visit my dad in the SICU and see her, we know, without a doubt, we can breathe a little easier since Kalyn is there, whether she is his nurse or not.”

Along with excellent patient care, Thurman’s nominators describe her as an amazing team member and inspiration to fellow colleagues. “Kalyn has a strong clinical presence in the ICU and serves as a mentor for many new and experienced nurses,” one nominator describes. “She is a powerhouse at the bedside, always so kind, caring and supportive of not only our patients but our colleagues as well.”

When asked what else the selection committee should know about the nominee, one nominator says, “I have met and gotten to know hundreds of nurses over the years, and I would say Kalyn is most definitely in the top ten of the best nurses I know.” Another nominator adds, “Kalyn’s consistent commitment to high-quality, personalized care truly makes a difference in the patient experience.”

Thank you, Kalyn, for your outstanding care and commitment to making an impact in the lives of our patients, colleagues and community!

On November 2, 2022, Lisa King, CNA, certified nurse assistant in the Orthopedic-Surgical department at Saint Francis Medical Center, received the Sister Gramen Gratitude Award. King received nominations from volunteers, patients, providers, colleagues and more, which is a testament to the impact she makes on all who enter the Medical Center. “Lisa is a welcoming and considerate colleague and is caring and empathetic towards all of her patients regardless of their demeanor,” one nominator states. “She is the first person you would want to see on your first day on the job or as a patient arriving to the floor because she has a calming nature that assures you everything is going to be okay.”

Frequent words used to describe King throughout her nominations include caring, empathetic, hardworking, positive, friendly, loving, cheerful, ray of sunshine and a Godsend. “I have never seen Lisa giving less than 150 percent of herself,” another nominator adds. “Her joy is infectious, and her work ethic is unmatched.”

When asked if there was anything else the nominating committee should know, a nominator answered, “I have heard patients call her an angel, a blessing and amazing just to name a few. She is truly one of a kind and an asset to Saint Francis; the world would be a better place if there were more Lisa’s in it.”

Thank you, Lisa, for your outstanding commitment to our patients, colleagues and community!

On November 1, 2022, Sara Beattie, RN, registered nurse at Cape Physician Associates, a Saint Francis Medical Partner, received the DAISY Award. Beattie’s nominations described her as extraordinary, kind and an excellent communicator. ‘Sara treats all our families with the utmost kindness, respect and compassion,” one nominator describes. ‘She greets each patient with a smile and friendly attitude, talks with families during her time in the room giving immunizations and cheers on pediatric patients when they have been really brave with immunizations.”

Nominators praise Beattie’s commitment to putting colleagues and patients first. ‘Sara will take time out of her busy day to help providers with needs or call families just to check in to make sure their kids are doing okay if they have been seen recently for illness or called in previously with concerns,” one nominator says.

Additionally, nominators praise Beattie for her positivity. ‘She is always positive, even on very busy days where workloads can seem overwhelming,” nominators claim. ‘She goes above and beyond to make sure our patients have a great experience at Saint Francis, whether it be thoroughly answering questions on the phone or providing a calm and positive experience in the clinic.”

Thank you, Sara, for going above and beyond to make an extraordinary impact on our patients, colleagues and community!

On October 31, 2022, Margaret Pender, CNA, certified nurse assistant at Saint Francis Home Health and Hospice, received the Sister Gramen Gratitude Award. Pender’s nominations reflected a deep commitment to bringing joy to patients and their families during an extremely tough time. “Many of Marge’s patients come to feel like she is part of their family,” one nominator notes. “Her care brings peace and joy to each patient’s life she touches. Quality shines through in every job Marge does; she goes above and beyond for every patient and her colleagues.”

Nominators credit Pender’s commitment to her faith and the joy it brings to those around her. When asked what makes Pender unique in the care she provides, a nominator answered, “her love for God and others. She speaks God’s love in all situations.” Another nominator adds, “Marge loves God and is not afraid to share with anyone how great He is and how working here is a part of her ministry. Her faith is unwavering, and stronger than almost anyone I know.”

When asked if there was anything else the selection committee should know about Pender, nominators answered, “Marge has a servant’s heart, which inspires me to try to be more like her every day. She is truly a rare gem here at Saint Francis.”

Thank you, Margie, for your unwavering commitment to our patients, colleagues and community!

On October 26, 2022, Maggie Barron, RN, registered nurse from Saint Francis Medical Center’s Emergency Department, was awarded the first DAISY Award at Saint Francis Healthcare System. Barron received nominations from grateful patients and their family members, who noted “kind, empathetic, knowledgeable, hardworking, competent, respectful and committed are just a few words to describe Maggie.” Nominators noted that Barron’s advocacy for patients, commitment to their care and ability to make her patients and family members feel at ease in a time of distress make her an extraordinary nurse.

One nominator accredits Barron for her kindness and compassion through her father’s last days. “The entire way Maggie handled my father’s situation was comforting,” the nominator notes. “Maggie showed compassion and empathy beyond what most nurses I have encountered have. Maggie had the ability to deliver news and plans for care with love and understanding for our situation; I was so thankful to have her as my father’s nurse in his last days.”

When asked what else the selection committee should know about Barron, nominators answered, “the word outstanding is the best word I could use to describe her,” and, “I have never met her before, but I felt at ease knowing she was taking care of my loved one.”

Thank you, Maggie, for the tremendous amount of kindness and love you demonstrate to make a meaningful impact on our patients, colleagues and community!

On October 26, 2022, Greg Heinsman, Chaplain in Pastoral Care at Saint Francis Medical Center, received one of the inaugural Sister Gramen Gratitude Awards. The nominators for this award describe Heinsman as, “one of the most caring, empathetic individuals at Saint Francis,” and praise the way his compassion, kindness and personable demeanor inspires faith to patients and colleagues alike. His love and support through this role is not only essential to our Ministry, but to support patients in critical care moments and beyond.

“Greg is unique because he is truly essential in the spiritual element of holistic care,” his nominator notes. “He meets patients where they are to support them spiritually and help optimize their healing. In doing so, he has also successfully brought many patients to faith.”

When asked if the nominator would like to add anything else, they noted, “Greg is just the best! He is such a kind soul and works so hard to keep our Mission alive and be a support to all throughout our Ministry. I cannot think of anyone more deserving.”

Thank you, Greg, for the commitment and dedication you have to our patients, colleagues and entire Healthcare System!

On February 23, 2023, Rob Bunger, ATC, CEAS, Senior Athletic Trainer at Saint Francis Outpatient Rehabilitation, was awarded the Sister Gramen Gratitude Award.

“The best word I can think of to describe Rob is consistent,” one nominator describes. “Every single day, without fail, he arrives to work ready to contribute whatever is asked of him, whether it is related to patients, the STARR Program, Emergency Management, CPR training, ergonomics and injury prevention, infection prevention, sports medicine and industrial medicine or the Foundation, he is always willing to contribute, participate or serve as a ‘go-to’ for many individuals.

“Nominators praise Rob’s versatility and positivity. “His positivity is contagious and oftentimes helps to deescalate stressful situations,” one nominator states. “His professionalism is second to none and his positive and sincere connection with both patients and colleagues is consistently observed. I can always count on Rob.”

When asked what else the selection committee should know about Rob, one nominator praises, “I feel Rob is very deserving given the time and effort he puts in day in and day out, most of which are above his job duties. He is not here to simply ‘do a job,’ but is consistently engaged with the end goal of delighting our patients and taking care of staff.”

Thank you, Rob, for your incredibly hard work and dedication to support our patients, colleagues and community!

On February 3, 2023, Jordan Hadler, RN, registered nurse in the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Saint Francis Medical Center, received The DAISY Award. ‘Jordan not only meets but exceeds the criteria to receive The DAISY Award,” nominators praise. ‘Her knowledge in caring for the tiniest patients sets a standard for others around her in not only her nursing skill, but her empathy for parents and her ability to bring peace and comfort to a room filled with anxiety and worry.”

Nominators praise the unique, high-quality care Jordan provides. ‘Jordan cares for babies as little as one pound with meticulous care and compassion, transports sick and premature infants from outlying facilities to a higher level of care in our Level III NICU and responds to our Emergency Department when in need of assistance caring for infants,” one nominator states. ‘She is calm and confident in emergency situations, bringing a comforting assurance to staff and family.”

When asked what else the selection committee should know about Jordan, a nominator says, ‘Jordan is humble, kind and brings joy to those around her. She is very deserving of recognition for her commitment to her career as a Saint Francis NICU Nurse.”

Thank you, Jordan, for the above-and-beyond care you are committed to providing to our tiniest patients and their families!

On February 3, 2023, Whitney James, RN, registered nurse in Learning and Development at Saint Francis Medical Center, received The DAISY Award. A common theme among Whitney’s nominations included her dedication and passion for patient care. ‘Whitney doesn’t do anything halfway,” one nominator describes. ‘She goes all in, and her colleagues, family and patients benefit from that. Patients are so well cared for in her company and so are her patients.”

Nominators praise Whitney’s versatility. ‘Whitney has worked in many roles at Saint Francis. She adapts easily and is an asset to any department she is working in,” one nominator states. ‘Her medical knowledge accompanied with her caring and compassionate nature make her a truly exceptional nurse.”

Along with exceptional patient care, nominators noted the commitment Whitney has to the Mission, Vision and Values of Saint Francis. ‘Whitney lives and breathes the Mission with pride in every aspect of her role,” one nominator praises. ‘From the students who first enter our facility scared and uncertain, whom she embraces with humor and positive reassurance, to the new nurses and travelers whom she pridefully trains and monitors to ensure the highest quality of care, she exemplifies a Christ-like love of healthcare and how we provide it.”

Described as helpful, compassionate, positive, a role model and mentor, our Healthcare System is blessed to have nurses like Whitney providing high-quality patient care. Thank you, Whitney, for the incredible commitment you have to our patients, colleagues and community!

On January 27, 2023, Daniel Asmus, CAD Designer from Saint Francis Healthcare System’s Facilities Management department, was awarded the Sister Gramen Gratitude Award. Nominators describe Daniel as “a one-of-a-kind colleague and the epitome of who you want working on your team.” Though his job duties change daily, or sometimes hourly, Daniel upholds a positive attitude and handles all situations head-on. “He stays optimistic and spreads his optimism and positive attitude to those around him,” one nominator notes.

As CAD Designer, Daniel creates and upkeeps signage crucial to our patients, visitors and colleagues. “It is actually amazing to think about everything Daniel has created signage-wise for the Healthcare System,” one nominator said.

Daniel is professional, incredibly knowledgeable in his field, dedicated to our Mission and a friend to all within the Healthcare System. “His friendly personality aside, I really feel as though Daniel’s dedication to his faith and how he exemplifies the Mission of the organization set him aside in the workplace,” one nominator states. “Daniel goes out of his way to make special connections with colleagues and patients, and truly values the work he does as well as the work of others around him.”
Thank you, Daniel, for your selfless commitment and dedication to impacting the lives of our patients, colleagues and the entire Healthcare System!

On January 27, 2023, Chris MacKinnon, RRT, respiratory therapist at Saint Francis Medical Center, received a Sister Gramen Gratitude Award. Nominators for this award said of MacKinnon, “Chris does this all with a positive attitude. She is like the energizer bunny; she never stops and is constantly working to help our patients.” Nominators praise the extra hours MacKinnon contributes to the Healthcare System to provide the best care for our patients. “Chris works many extra hours to ensure adequate respiratory coverage for the Medical Center,” one nominator notes. “She takes extra call shifts to cover NICU transport and goes above what is expected to ensure we have coverage to accept transports for our tiniest patients.”

Along with going above and beyond for patient care, nominators praise MacKinnon’s assistance in educating colleagues. “She serves as a clinical instructor and arranges clinical hours for the students in our local respiratory program,” one nominator comments. “She works with every new colleague helping them transition into their new role and helps the entire department with setting up EPIC in the most user-friendly way. She is the go-to when it comes to policy, procedure and charges.”

After more than 20 years at Saint Francis, MacKinnon has become a trusted role model for many colleagues. “She is a great example for all colleagues and students alike,” one nominator praises. “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

Thank you, Chris, for your unwavering commitment to our Mission and the work you do to impact our patients, colleagues and entire Healthcare System!

On January 27, 2023, Jodie Wells, RN, registered nurse at Cape Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, a Saint Francis Medical Partner, was awarded The DAISY Award at Saint Francis Healthcare System. “Jodie is an exemplary colleague who has become a vital necessity for Cape Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery,” one nominator said. “Several patients know her by name and feel comfortable speaking to her when a provider is not available.”

Along with patient care, nominators noted the work ethic and good attitude of Wells. “Daily, she comes into the office with a positive attitude and completes any work that comes her way efficiently,” a nominator praises. “She goes out of her way to ensure patients are happy, be it limiting the number of times they have to travel, transporting patients, giving a listening ear or providing extra care where she can.”

Nominators praise the unique care Wells provides. “Jodie is different from others as she takes the time to get to know each patient and goes out of her way to make their lives easier, no matter how insignificant the action may appear to others,” a nominator notes. “These small actions make a large impact on patients, and they always let us know how grateful they are for Jodie.”

Thank you, Jodie, for the above-and-beyond care you provide to the patients we are called to serve!