By 1812Blockhouse
During Nurses Week, Avita Health System recognized three registered nurses with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, part of a national program honoring nurses for the compassion and skill they bring to patients and families.
This year’s individual honorees were Janet Heydinger, RN, of Galion Hospital; Andrea “Andi” Evans, RN, of Bucyrus Hospital; and Andrea Roberts, RN, of Ontario Hospital. Avita also presented several special DAISY recognitions, including awards for education, team care, and nurse leadership.
Care In A Difficult Moment
For Janet Heydinger, who works in the Emergency Department at Galion Hospital, the recognition came from a patient and her husband following a miscarriage. The patient’s husband described how Heydinger stayed present during an intensely difficult experience, offering care that went beyond clinical treatment.
“My wife was in the ER… she was having a hard time. Janet was able to sympathize with her,” he shared. “She showed that she cared and didn’t mind the number of times we asked questions.”
The patient added that Heydinger’s compassion helped make the ordeal easier to bear. “There are no words to describe how grateful I am for her care,” she said.
Stepping In For A Colleague
At Bucyrus Hospital, Andrea “Andi” Evans was honored for her care for a fellow team member in crisis. Evans, a shift supervisor in the Emergency Department, was nominated by a colleague who said she noticed a coworker struggling and took time to listen, support, and act. According to the nomination, Evans’ response may have saved a life. Her compassion, attentiveness, and willingness to step in reflected the kind of nursing that reaches beyond job descriptions and into the lives of the people around her.
Putting Patients First
Andrea Roberts, who works in the Intensive Care Unit at Ontario Hospital, was nominated by a colleague for her commitment to patient-centered care.
One patient shared that Roberts immediately looked for a better way to coordinate lab draws so the patient would not be interrupted repeatedly. For the nominator, that small but meaningful act showed Roberts’ ability to see the whole patient, not just the medical task in front of her.
“Putting patient care above all… that is amazing patient care,” the nominator said.
Honoring Education, Teamwork, And Leadership
Aimee McKenzie, BSN, RN, Director of the Education and Training Center at Avita Health System, received the DAISY Educator Award. A team member credited McKenzie’s leadership with helping nurses and students become better prepared, strengthening teams, and improving patient care.
The DAISY Team Award was presented to the Intensive Care Unit staff at Ontario Hospital. Families nominated the team in recognition of the care and support they provided during difficult moments. One family member wrote that the team cared for a loved one with dignity while also caring for the family with compassion.
Sarah Konves, BSN, RN, Nurse Manager of the Medical-Surgical Unit and ICU at Ontario Hospital, received the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. She was nominated for her advocacy and leadership while supporting an employee through a critical health situation.
A Lasting Difference
The DAISY Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 from complications of an autoimmune disease. His family created the recognition program to thank nurses for the care that can shape a patient’s experience long after treatment ends.
“We love this time of year when we can pause to recognize our nurses,” said Kathy Durflinger, Chief Nursing Officer at Avita Health System. “These nurses and nurse leaders make a lasting impact on patients and families and help guide the next generation of caregivers. They embody our mission to provide quality care to the communities we serve.”
Nurses at Avita Health System may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues by completing a form online at avitahealth.org/daisy-award or at Avita hospital locations. Recipients are selected anonymously by a committee of employees and community members based on specific criteria. Honorees receive a certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a hand-carved sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch.”
