Makayla Potthoff, RN, BSN, was recently recognized as Loring Hospital’s first-ever recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. A portion of the nomination submission read: “She showed us her love and dedication both times we were there. She is your friend whenever she sees you.”
The recognition comes after Loring Hospital’s recent ipartnership with the DAISY Foundation, which is a Foundation that was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 in 1999 from complications of an auto-immune disease. The care he and his family received from nurses while Patrick was ill inspired the idea to create a unique way to thank nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of patients and their loved ones.
The Foundation was created in Patrick’s memory to recognize extraordinary nurses for the enormous difference they make in the lives of their patients every day. DAISY Award recipients are recognized as outstanding role models in the nursing community and are known for their compassionate care, communication, positive attitude, patient advocacy, and teamwork.
“When I began working on the partnership between Loring and the DAISY Foundation, I imagined what type of nurse I would be handing the award to,” said Ashley Dahlberg, Loring Hospital’s inpatient nursing services manager. “I pictured someone that was effortlessly kind, takes initiative, and brings a calm presence when facing things that would rattle an average person. Makayla possesses all of these attributes and so much more. Watching her grow from CNA to LPN to RN here at Loring has been so much fun, and the connection between her and patients is truly beautiful. I am extremely proud to have been able to announce her as our first honoree.”
Four other Loring Hospital nurses were nominated for the DAISY Award for demonstrating excellence through their clinical expertise and extraordinary, compassionate care. Nominees included Jessica Neville, RN; Tracy Foote, RN; Tina Zimmerman, RN; and Nicole Simpson.
“Tracy, Nikki, Tina, and Jess are vital components to our nursing team,” added Dahlberg. “I was thrilled to see multiple nominations from community members; they couldn’t have recognized more caring, selfless, and diligent nurses. Nominations for the DAISY Award are a way to say thank you when thank you just doesn’t feel like enough. I hope to see many more nominations this year and in years to come.”
If you have been the recipient of extraordinary care by a nurse at Loring Hospital, you are invited to complete a nomination form, which can be found throughout Loring Hospital or at loringhospital.org. Please submit forms to Ashley Dahlberg at 211 Highland Ave., Sac City Iowa 50583. Questions may also be directed to adahlberg@loringhosp.org or by calling 712-662-6442.