February 2023, Brenda Cribbs

Nurses like Brenda Cribbs advocate for their patients when patients cannot advocate for themselves. In the fall of 2021, first time mom Lindsey was to deliver her baby at a neighboring hospital, but didn't make it there due to the severity of complications she began to experience. That's when Lindsey met Brenda.

"When I arrived at IRMC, I was terrified. I didn’t know any doctors and I was just about to deliver my first baby knowing I was having serious complications. Brenda was clear with me that they would not let anything happen to me or my baby on her watch. She meant it. The emergency C-section saved my life and my daughter. Doctors were planning for an emergency hysterectomy, but Brenda explored the idea of conservative treatment. The doctor listened to her and for that very reason, I am alive today and I still have the opportunity to have other children in the future because of her. She is the reason that I get to experience life as a mother. She is the true definition of an advocate. I know she makes every mother in labor & delivery heard and cared for the way they deserve during some of the most vulnerable times. Brenda is truly a God send and I am thankful for her!"

November 2022, Morgan Strait

Day and night, registered nurse Morgan Strait cares for patients in our Intensive Care Unit.

Recently, Morgan interacted with a patient who unexpectedly needed to spend the night in the ICU. The patient said of Morgan, "Despite my age, I’m a pretty active person and I HATE to be tied down or restricted in any way. I’m not the most patient patient. Fortunately for me, I had a nurse in the ICU named Morgan who was very understanding. She spent time with me when I felt anxious and insisted that I wanted to leave. Morgan was heaven sent. I feel blessed that she was my nurse that night. She is a credit to IRMC."

August 2022, Kim Thomas

Working as a Case Manager, Kim Thomas always goes above and beyond. Kim answers phones, answers call bells, and supports the floor staff in any way she can. Kim always asks if there is anything more she can do to help.

One specific patient required a transfer to another facility. Kim made it her personal mission to see that this patient received the care they deserved. Kim’s help was instrumental in obtaining a bed and getting the transport set up quickly to save this patient’s life, freeing up the care team to tend to the patient.

"Without Kim’s assistance, there would have been one less person caring for the patient and likely would have delayed the transfer."

May 2022, Tanya Altimus

During Nurses Week 2022, the Emergency Department team gathered to surprise Tanya with the May 2022 DAISY Award. A coworker of Tanya's said, "Every patient who walks into the Emergency Department and comes into contact with Tanya gets great care, regardless of their life choices or socioeconomic background." In a nomination letter on Tanya's behalf, the individual recalled a story where Tanya used her prior expertise as a phlebotomist to assist a patient. Not only did Tanya help the very emotional patient, but she spent a long time at the bedside, talking to and reassuring them that they are worthy. The patient, who may have otherwise left IRMC against medical advice, was admitted to the hospital and received the care she desperately needed.

When recalling the events that ensued that evening, Tanya's co-worker stated, "She (the patient) had a lot of nice things to say about Tanya and our hospital after this experience; I believe this made a difference, not only in the patient’s experience that evening, but also a difference in her life and her faith in healthcare. I believe that wherever this patient is right now, she knows that she can come to IRMC for help, thanks to Tanya’s care that day."

March 2022, Jeff Stewart

"Jeff is one of the best nurses I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. He is the prime example of what a nurse should be. Jeff shows compassion to all patients, their families, and our staff. Jeff is known throughout IRMC for his willingness to help his fellow co-workers." These are just a few examples of why Jeff Stewart, a nurse on the medical supportive care unit, was nominated for the March 2022 DAISY Award. As an exemplary nurse, Jeff's co-workers say he is an "inspiration to others" and is always there when you need a hand. Jeff is described as trustable, dependable and an advocate for his patients.

November 2021, Pam Waltemire

Whatever the shift — day or night, weekend or weekday — extraordinary IRMC nurses are hard at work. Early one Monday morning, colleagues gathered to surprise Pam Waltemire with the November 2021 DAISY Award. Pam, a nurse on 7th telemetry, was nominated by the spouse of a patient, not only for her extraordinary care, but for seemingly simple acts that were incredibly meaningful to the family. The patients family stated, "Pam was very upbeat and pleasant. I’d like to know where she gets that much energy at 1:00 a.m. She was extremely patient with me as I explained the situation. She didn’t rush me and I could tell she was actively listening to and engaged in what I was saying. At one point, I realized I was repeating something I had already told her. She didn’t seem to mind a bit!" During the celebration, Pam's colleague said, "She definitely deserves it. She loves all of her patient’s whether she has them for 5 minutes or 5 days."

September 2021, Holly Gearhart

Nursing presented the first ever DAISY Award to Holly Gearhart, an outstanding nurse on 6th medical. Holly was recognized by a patient's family for the care and compassion she provided to their loved one. When Holly was presented with the award among her collages (and special guest in attendance, her daughter who is currently following in her mother's footsteps as a nurse) she said, "The entire unit deserves this award!"

The patients daughter-in-law said of Holly, "Holly, of course, is an excellent nurse! Very knowledgeable and very good at her job. But along with her expertise she holds a very caring spirit in her heart. We could feel that spirit each time she walked into our room."

Coming soon!