DAISY
Tori Clark, RN

After spending the past 7 years in various hospitals and a nursing home, I have developed a keen eye for stellar nursing care. That’s why I know that Tori broke the mold for great nurses. When she enters your room, you can’t help but feel as though you are welcoming a best friend. She keeps up conversation and helps you to feel at ease. When she is giving medication, her expertise shines through.

For me, her excellence became apparent when I needed a new IV put in. I am a VERY tough stick. Tori tried twice, as well as another nurse who was with her. She was very careful and caring when she could not get it; she got someone from the cath lab who needed five tries to start the IV.

Tori again rose to the occasion when it was discovered that I had a suture left over from foot surgery in Chicago. She was able to quickly find someone to remove it and checked in on me to see how I was!

Also, I have never seen a nurse work so well with other members of the team – emptying my catheter, transferring me to the commode, helping clean me up afterward – a true team player!

DAISY
Shawna Cook, RN

May DAISY Award recipient GI Nurse Navigator Shawna Cook helped a patient with disabilities get the care they needed.

According to her nomination: "The individual is non-verbal and not able to express what they are feeling, even as they dealt with some gastrointestinal issues. They express pain in a more physical manner, and while some people may regard those behaviors as just that – behaviors – Shawna and FHN GI Nurse Practitioner Steve Harweger went above and beyond to help them get the full care they need and deserve.
After nearly 3 months of diagnostic testing, battling with insurance and other obstacles, Shawna and Steve were able to assist the patient in getting approved for the medication. Their compassion and determination will truly make a tremendous impact on the patient’s quality of life!

BEE
Nicole Kass

FHN Orthopaedic Patient Service Representative Nicole Kass got quite a surprise on her birthday - she received FHN's May BEE Award!

Nicole's nominator was referred to FHN Podiatry for follow-up care after a Friday afternoon visit to FHN/Physicians Immediate Care for an infected foot. Nicole assisted the podiatry team with taking notes for the podiatrist and promised a call-back on Monday.
"When I showed up for that appointment, Nicole remembered me by name and asked how I was feeling. She checked me in for my appointment, as there wasn’t a podiatry PSR available to check me in. She did a great job and was very polite! I spoke to another person at Burchard Hills that day about what a good job Nicole does, and she said other patients have commented on her good work and personality, and since she has started working there, the office was a more friendly and pleasant place!"

DAISY
Leslie Hardin, RN

Congratulations to FHN’s March DAISY Award recipient, Leslie Hardin, RN! Leslie was part of the team who took excellent care of a very stressed mom dealing with breathing issues in the FHN Memorial Hospital Emergency Department while her husband was being released from care by the FHN Heart Team.

The patient had praise for every member of the team, but Leslie stood out: “Leslie, you impressed me and I want to say thank you. Boy, are you in the right field! You clearly have a love for your patients and nursing. … You gave me hope. What an admirable attribute, to be able to give a sick and scared patient hope! I want you to know how amazing that effect was and how transformative it was to my improvement. … Leslie, I’ll always remember your strength, kindness and stellar nursing care.”

BEE
Katherine Schoonhoven, CNA

Congratulations to FHN's March 2022 BEE winner, Certified Medical Assistant Katherine Schoonhoven, who made what seemed like a scary situation much better for a local family!

Her nominator writes: "I was at your COVID-19 testing tent with my 3 children. My kids were very scared and were asking all kinds of questions, and she took the time to answer all their questions. I want her to be recognized because the way she explained everything, my children felt more at ease with her and when we were done, I looked behind us and there were 3 cars lined up. Even though there were others waiting, she still made time to alleviate their concerns. She gets an A+ from this family. During these trying times, it's nice to see that people still do care. Thank you, thank you, Kathy, you deserve an award!"

DAISY
Megan M. Loomis, RN

The person who nominated FHN’s December 2021 Daisy Award winner Megan Loomis spelled out why she deserved the reward!

P – Passion/Compassion – During my stay at the hospital Megan showed such a caring compassion toward me and the situation that I was going through. She never ever left the room without asking me if she could do anything else for me. She always was letting me know what the physicians were ordering and what could be expected.
E – Empathy in the situation – I was very scared and nervous after just having a big surgery on 9/1 that I would have to have surgery again. That was something I expressed not really wanting to do. Megan was receptive to my feelings and made me feel valid and that I was being heard by someone who cared what I was saying.
T – Trust and teamwork – Megan was in frequent contact during my hospitalization when I had questions to help remember to ask the physicians who were coming in. I had several seeing me and toward the end of my stay in the hospital, they switched up who was making rounds so she assured me of the competence of her fellow workers who would be seeing me.
A – Admirable attributes – Active listening, especially when I was expressing my fears.
L – Love for the patient & healthcare profession – You can just tell that Megan loves her job as a nurse and I can say that she is good at it. I felt completely comfortable talking with her and expressing what my feelings were. She even had informed me during a conversation about my own schooling that she had received her masters, but missed patient care so came back to floor nursing.
S —Selflessness – I am an FHN employee and due to my surgery at the beginning of the month, have been off work. On Friday, payday, I found that my paycheck had been messed up and shortened by accident. HR was going to have to write another check that I could have mailed or pick up. Being that I was in the hospital, I could not leave the floor. Megan offered to go on her break and pick it up for me if I wanted her to. That was a very nice offer of her and not something that I think others would have offered. (I didn’t have her do it, but it was the thought that counts.)

She truly is an asset to the organization and deserves to be recognized for it!

BEE
Amanda McIntosh, CNA

Her nominator had this to say: "Amanda was great! I had her as a CNA while I was going through a hard new diagnosis. I’ve been at FHN for going on 11 days now. Amanda would make jokes to brighten my day. I had to switch my diet to gluten-free and she was right there, cracking jokes and looking on the bright side for me. When it was time for me to try and shower, she didn’t make me feel like a bother, even though she was crazy busy. She took her time to stop in my room and just talk. It’s nice to have a distraction when there’s so much running through your mind. Thank you, Amanda, for your amazing care and a great sense of humor! I needed it."

DAISY
September Chezem, RN

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international recognition program for hospitals that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. September's nominator said: My daughter was admitted to the hospital for care and suffers from severe anxiety. September remained calm and answered all of my daughter's questions even if it was the same one over and over again. Her overall calm attitude and willingness to explain repeatedly and so calmly to my scared child was wonderful. She is an asset to FHN!

BEE
Roxanne Hare, CNA
Roxie is a very special lady. She has been blessed with a very special gift of the selfless love for others. She shows this gift through compassion, gentleness and all-around concern for her patients. This morning I was having severe leg pain. She offered a gentle massage which was incredible! It was so thoughtful, and a smart move as well. Every time I am admitted – and luck has it that I ger her as my CNA – it praises me greatly. Thank you Roxie! And thanks FHN for her employment.
Second nomination: Quality employee; excellent healthcare giver. Always kind, loving, and respectful. Always soft spoken and has a positive message to uplift her patients’ mental and physical health. Excellent listener; always gives positive feedback. Very friendly with the ability to make her patients smile daily. Great job Roxanne. Thanks for making a difference.

DAISY
Kay Schlichting, RN

The care and compassion Kay Schlichting, RN provided one evening in FHNs Emergency Room was hands down incredible. My father-in-law was brought in by ambulance with stroke like symptoms and he was accompanied by my mother-in-law who has Alzheimer's. Family was called, however travel was limited due to the severe weather conditions at the time. We were able to arrive two hours later and were so relieved to know that Kay was taking care of my in-laws. My mother-in-law was scared and confused as her husband and caregiver was in need of medical attention. Kay made sure her needs were met along with attending to the immediate needs of my father-in-law. She made a great connection with my mother-in-law as she herself used to be a nurse. Kay was familiar with our family as both families grew up together.

Care was coordinated with Mercy Health's Teleneurology and Kay assisted the physician perform the physical assessment. In addition, she had all of his medical records pulled up so she could provide as accurate of information as possible. Neither of my in-laws could provide any input. As I observed her sincere compassion and skill, my fears were calmed.

Even with all of the COVID restrictions, she took all of the necessary time to ensure his exam was carefully completed. Her expertise truly came through that evening and the other family members were relieved to know Kay was taking care of their parents. She remained calm and answered all of our questions. As I observed Kay interacting with the telehealth physician, I sensed that he knew he could rely on her medical assessment and judgement. As the Mercy Health physician asked questions, Kay made sure to review the past medical records to provide accurate information. Kay provided expert care while ensuring the comfort of both my in-laws.

In these challenging times, when nurses have to balance physical, emotional and spiritual crisis of so many, Kay rose to the occasion. We knew we could lean on her for guidance and support. Her caring heart, compassion, guidance, support and medical skills were a blessing to our entire family at a time of uncertainty. We couldn't have had a better healthcare experience at FHN along with the superb care and compassion of Kay Schlichting, RN. Our family strongly feels Kay should be honored for her super-human work she gives to her patients and families every day. We are grateful of her respect, dignity, and compassion.

BEE
Arica Watts
Arica was very proactive in my care. She could just tell that I was not feeling well and could use help without me asking. I had gotten sick but she stayed calm, helped reassure me, and cleaned me up without hesitation. She even came back the next day to check on me even though she wasn't working on my unit. Thank you for your wonderful care Arica.

DAISY
Tina Lingle
Tina is a brilliant nurse. I feel fortunate to have had her as my day nurse on 3 East during one of the most painful episodes of my life. She was attentive and kind. None of my needs were overlooked. She was prompt with all my meds. This was a time of extreme pain. Tina did above and beyond to assist me and advocate for me.
I had come in thru the emergency room with no personal belongings other than a robe and shoes. My eyeglasses were left at home on the bathroom counter; this made it difficult to read anything . . . consents, menus, etc. She brought in a basket of cheater glass that Jo Ann, another nurse on my floor had donated/purchased for patients in my situation. Tina even took the time to introduce me to Jo Ann so that I might personally thank her. Both are real gems full of kindness and empathy.
The 1st day I noted how nice Tina smelled . . . a day later when I asked if lotion was available to help remove some of the bandage residue on my skin, Tina offered hers as I had liked the smell. Her incredible kindness astounded me. I just knew I was in good hands with her in charge of my care. She displayed kindness, knowledge, and humanity in a painful and somewhat embarrassing situation.
When she should have been going home to her family, she stayed to lend a hand. I was hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic so I was flabbergasted she gave me even more of her time and energy . . . she did not just clock out and go home. She never lost compassion and empathy at the end of what had to be exhausting days.
If every nurse was like this jewel, it would make a horrible experience so much easier. I so appreciate her. She is really an amazing soul.

BEE
Lilly Curtis
Nomination 1: “Lilly” they call her and I can’t pronounce or spell her given name. She’s not a nurse but definitely a health care worker. She’s a CNA and deserves recognition. She is so kind and peaceful and so willing to help a patient. She would busy herself in my room and wait for me to finish in the bathroom rather than take off and made me wait. Ready and willing to assist me. I’d forgotten, in a rush, to bring denture adhesive with me and happened to express with when she was with me. She promptly looked it up online (I had not asked her to see what it looked like) and offered to pick up the product after work. I was surprised but very grateful and assured Lilly I would reimburse her. When she returned the next morning she refused to let me pay her (I tried and tried). She said it was her gift to help me. God love this little gal – she is a Godsend to us and it speaks a lot for her when co-worker say how helpful and kind she is also.
Nomination 2: I’d like to nominate Lilly. She always makes sure that I’m ok and that I have ice water. Therefore she always is checking in just to say ‘how’s everything?’ and that makes me feel special. I say she is more than special. She is one of God’s angels.