Baptist Memorial Hospital nurses recently earned the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses for their compassion and dedication after patients, family members or colleagues nominated them. Keep reading to learn more about how these nurses have gone above and beyond to care for patients and their families.
Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center
Van Dees, registered nurse in the Emergency department, won the DAISY Award for his kindness and compassion. The patient who nominated Dees said: “After it was determined that I would be admitted to the hospital, Van realized I hadn’t eaten all day and the cafeteria was closed at that time. Van had already clocked out for his shift and asked if I wanted Waffle House. I offered to pay him, but he refused to take any money. A few minutes later, he returned with food. I have never had a nurse go out of their way and take care of me the way Van did.”
Cassidy Jerkins, registered nurse in Medical-Surgical, received the DAISY award for her teamwork and dedication. The colleague who nominated Jerkins said: “Cassidy consistently exemplifies what it means to be an exceptional nurse. Her clinical knowledge, calm confidence and unwavering compassion make a lasting impact on both her patients and her team. She approaches every situation with a positive attitude and a steady presence. Cassidy takes the time to listen and educate, ensuring her patients feel heard, safe and respected.”
LaShonda Murray, registered nurse in Medical-Surgical, earned the DAISY Award for her compassion. The patient who nominated her shared: “LaShonda came in my room with the biggest smile and the most welcoming personality I’ve ever encountered. She was attentive, informative and caring. You can tell she truly loves what she does! I felt seen, valued and respected.”
Kirk Shows, registered nurse in the Emergency department, won the DAISY Award for his dedication and patience. The family member who nominated him said: “We hurried to the ER with my severely disabled daughter who was struggling to breathe. She is unable to communicate or follow commands. With keen insight and a calm manner, Kirk recognized the need for ‘second-mile patience.’ Kirk’s actions were a valuable part of her treatment and recovery from complicated pneumonia.”
A family member nominated Shantasia Ruffin, registered nurse in the Newborn Intensive Care unit, for her compassion. The nominator said: “During delivery, she moved with a calm confidence that steadied the whole room, guiding us through every moment, protecting our son’s first breaths and making sure we never felt alone or unsure. She treated him like someone she already loved, not just a patient she was assigned to. Her care wasn’t just medical. It was human.”
A family member nominated Madison Wright, registered nurse in Interventional Radiology, for the DAISY Award for her compassion and dedication. The nominator said: “Madison exhibited true professionalism. Due to my mom’s cognitive decline, I was nervous about how she might act. I quietly shared that with Madison, and she kept me informed throughout my mom’s procedure. She also assisted with scheduling a follow-up appointment and personally escorted us to the exit.”
Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto
Janet Scola, registered nurse in Outpatient Surgical Services, earned the DAISY Award for her dedication and compassion. Scola’s patient, who had significant physical limitations, arrived alone for surgery with a wound and no support. Scola immediately ensured the patient’s dignity and comfort and got social work and case management on board. She also shared difficult news with the patient and stayed late to ensure safe transfer to the Emergency department. The nominator said: “This nurse’s dedication ensured the patient was not overlooked and received the care he truly needed. Her actions exemplify empathy, professionalism and the true spirit of nursing.”
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis
A family member nominated Grace Anne Chandler, registered nurse on the 5 West Intensive Care Step-down unit, for the DAISY Award for providing exceptional care. “Her attentiveness, clinical judgment and sense of urgency were unlike anything I had ever witnessed. Because of Grace Anne’s swift actions, it was determined that my mother needed to be transferred back to the ICU for a higher level of care. Our family will never forget the impact she made during such a critical moment,” the nominator said.
A family member nominated Charlene Warner, registered nurse on the 2 East Heart Failure unit, for the DAISY Award for her dedication and compassion. “Charlene is truly a shining star who sits above the rest when it comes to her patient care, kindness, professional demeanor and personal disposition. She was instrumental in recognizing a bad situation and prevented it from becoming disastrous. I believe her actions were as important as the physician’s in saving my husband’s life.”
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County
Alyssa McClain, registered nurse in the Women’s Center, received the DAISY Award for her compassion. A patient and a family member nominated her for making them feel comfortable and loved during a difficult situation. “Alyssa was very skilled, professional and compassionate. She even offered to stay past her shift if it would make us feel more comfortable,” the nominators said.
Mississippi Baptist Medical Center
A family member nominated Haden Davis, registered nurse on 4D Medical-Surgical, for the DAISY Award. The nominator shared: “Haden created an atmosphere of comfort and trust in a situation that could have easily felt frightening and isolating. Because of her thoughtful and compassionate approach, our family felt cared for — not just medically, but emotionally.” The nominator also praised Davis for her remarkable patience and calm presence.
A family member nominated Nusaiba “Saiba” Elmadih, registered nurse for 5C Medical-Surgical, for the DAISY Award. The nominator shared they “were blessed more than anyone can imagine by Saiba.” He said she didn’t hesitate to comb his wife’s hair and she “took her time and was so gentle and kind.” He concluded by sharing his wife felt like Saiba was the daughter they never had.
Conner Ozborn, who has an associate degree in nursing, won the DAISY Award for his dedication. Conner works on 3B and was nominated by a family member who said she never questioned whether her mother was in good hands. She believes Ozborn has a true calling for nursing.
