Baptist Memorial Hospital nurses recently received 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
Nicole Clark, registered nurse in Labor and Delivery, won the DAISY Award for her compassion and professionalism. The grateful patient who nominated Clark said, “What impressed me the most was her attention to detail. Nothing slipped through the cracks. She was always a step ahead, anticipating needs before I even voiced them. Despite the fast-paced environment, she never made me feel like just another patient. She treated me with dignity, respect and personalized care that made a difficult time so much more manageable.”
McKenzie Lowery, registered nurse with the float pool, received the DAISY Award for her dedication and compassion. The patient who nominated Lowery said, “When I explained my needs to McKenzie, she not only listened, but truly understood. It felt incredible to be seen, heard and cared for in such a personal and proactive way. McKenzie exhibited the best patient-centered care I’ve ever experienced.”
Family members nominated Amanda Steakley, registered nurse on 2 East, for a DAISY Award for her compassion, dedication and professionalism while caring for their grandmother. “Her kind gestures did not go unnoticed. When I had to leave for work, she made sure my grandmother had everything she needed and more! She never came into the room without a smile. Even though my grandmother was very sick, Amanda was able to cheer her up and comfort her,” said one of the family members.
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Booneville
A family member nominated Shannah Williams, registered nurse in the Emergency department, for the DAISY Award for her compassion and dedication. The nominator shared, “She went above and beyond for my daughter and myself. She made us feel comfortable, listened attentively and answered every question we had. Her bedside manner is amazing — something you don’t see often. We truly appreciate everything she did for us while we were there.”
Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto
Brandon Holmes, registered nurse in the Emergency department, earned the DAISY Award for his extraordinary actions to help a person in crisis who had called expressing intent to end his or her life. The nominator praised Holmes for remaining calm and composed while engaging the caller with compassion and care as he gathered critical information. Holmes’ suggestion to FaceTime with the caller ultimately enabled law enforcement to locate the individual.
“For over an hour, the nurse stayed on the line, offering reassurance and building a genuine connection with the caller,” said the nominator. “Even when the caller abruptly hung up, the nurse did not give up. He persistently called back until the caller answered again. Thanks to the nurse’s patience, intuition and heartfelt determination, the caller was safely transported to a hospital to receive the care they desperately needed. In a situation where every second mattered, this nurse became a lifeline.”
Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi
Two Baptist North Mississippi nurses who have won the DAISY Award multiple times received updated pins. Tracy Cossitt, registered nurse and staff development specialist, was honored with the DAISY Award 10 times. She recently updgraded to the DAISY Award Platinum pin.
Abby Boswell, registered nurse in Outpatient Surgery, has been awarded the DAISY Award five times. She traded her pins in for a DAISY Award Bouquet pin.
“Our patients feel the difference every day because of nurses like these two. They exemplify what it means to care with excellence and compassion,” said Brian Welton, CEO and administrator.
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton
A patient’s brother nominated Amber Smithwick, registered nurse in the Intensive Care unit, for the DAISY Award for her compassion. “My brother came into the ER with dangerously high potassium, low sodium and kidney failure. We were both scared, and he was worried about how he might be treated because he is on Suboxone,” said the nominator. “From the moment Amber met him, she showed compassion and respect. She didn’t judge him or treat him like a drug seeker. She took the time to explain his kidney function tests in a way we could understand, making sure he knew what was happening and why each step mattered.”
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County
Multiple patients nominated Kelsey Christy, registered nurse in Labor and Delivery, for the DAISY Award for her compassion. One patient stated, “Kelsey’s compassion, professionalism and gentle strength were exactly what I needed on one of the most important and overwhelming days of my life.” Another patient shared, “Kelsey took her time and provided the best experience possible.”
Mississippi Baptist Medical Center
Bridgette Gray, registered nurse with the float pool, won the DAISY Award for her compassion. The patient who nominated Gray described her as a “true gem” who made her feel at home in the hospital. The patient also commended Gray for ensuring her mom was comfortable.
A patient’s wife nominated Berti Williams, registered nurse on 3 South, for the DAISY Award for her dedication. The nominator described Williams as “the gold standard of what a nurse should be.” She said, “Berti was a godsend and treated us like family. She was a minister to us as she took care of my husband’s physical needs.”
