This fall, Margaret Mary Health recognized two of its team members for the dedication and compassion they bring to the workplace. Kayla Sims, RN received the DAISY Award, an honor presented to nurses who put patients first in all encounters. Additionally, Massage Therapist Carla Stenger received the BEE Award, an honor presented to non-nursing team members whose support also impacts patient care and outcomes.
The DAISY Award is an international honor established by the family members of J. Patrick Barnes after he died at the age of 33 from complications of an autoimmune disease. The Barnes family was inspired by the clinical skills and compassion of his nurses, so they created the award to say thank you to nurses everywhere.
Sims was nominated by an MMH nurse practitioner who wrote:
“Kayla is the chronic care nurse for our practice and wears many hats. She is not only a nurse to our patients, but a social worker, scheduler, counselor and friend. She is well-respected by her patients, peers and providers. Her passion for caring for our patients is evident in every conversation. Whether spending hours on the phone with insurance companies advocating for patient needs, arranging transportation and reminders so they do not miss appointments, collaborating and communicating with providers or simply reaching out to patients to have a conversation on how they are feeling, Kayla is the epitome of what a nurse should be.”
At MMH, every member of the team plays an essential role in patient care. For this reason, the BEE Award was established to recognize non-nursing team members who stand out among their peers for creating a positive atmosphere at work.
Stenger was nominated by a patient who wrote:
“Carla is known by all pregnant and postpartum moms for the wonderful massages she gives, but she gave me so much more than a massage during my delivery at MMH. I labored a long time, and Carla spent the majority of the day with me … She stayed with me until, unfortunately, a C-section was called … I cannot express the gratitude I have for Carla. She is the kindest soul with the most comforting presence. She was a light for me during a labor and delivery that did not go how I had planned.”
The DAISY and BEE awards are presented twice a year, and nominations can be submitted by anyone, including patients, family members, providers and staff. All nominations are blinded and sent to an internal committee for consideration. To submit a nomination, visit us online.
“At Margaret Mary, our team members are truly the foundation of everything we do,” said MMH President and CEO Liz Leising. “It is incredibly rewarding to honor and celebrate their hard work and commitment to our patients.”
