DAISY Award Winners
Like everyone who works at EvergreenHealth, our DAISY Award winners are exceptional individuals. As part of the DAISY Award nomination process, we ask patients or their loved ones to tell us their stories and why their nurse deserves recognition.
We continue to celebrate the amazing care these nurses provide by sharing their patients' perspectives below.
Tina Taylor, RN
Unit: Acute Care
Our winner this month was nominated by a retired Cardiac Intensive Care Nurse!
Tina Taylor, RN
Tina Taylor was assigned to me on night-shift, during the time that I was immediately post-surgery, and she was the angel who got me through those very hard nights. The insightfulness with which she monitored my physical and psychological condition was simply incredible. Moreover, I cannot say enough about her communication with me. She was both deeply caring and remarkably intuitive. She was a source of sympathy and compassion when I needed it, and she was a much-appreciated source of humor and cheer when she perceived that it would help. She was amazing at clearly explaining her short-term plans for care, and for placing them in the context of my long-term program.
And it was not just that. Even though she had a great many other patients, she never seemed rushed or distracted when she was with me. On the contrary, she was continuously attentive to the smallest – and much appreciated – details.
The patients at Evergreen Hospital are extremely fortunate to have Tina Taylor caring for them. She is the epitome of what an excellent nurse can be. I found her to be both professional and highly effective. She was the perfect source of comfort and care at a time when I was in acute pain and distress. I enthusiastically nominate her to receive the Daisy Award.
Hanna Kelker, RN, BSN
Unit: Radiation Oncology
Our winner this month was nominated by her Medical Director, Dr. Taylor!
Hanna Kelker, RN, BSN
Hanna is absolutely exceptional! She enters a room to welcome or care for one of our oncology patients and a halo of empathy, warmth and genuine kindness surrounding her fills the space and is immediately felt by our patients. The warmth of her smile and personal touch coupled with great knowledge brings comfort and confidence to the patients and their family members and friends. If I am staying behind as she leaves a room, patients uniformly comment how extraordinary she is.
Hanna has picked up oncology care issues quickly, is very adept at technology (and keeps me afloat) and has a great acute care eye and knows when someone is not doing well and when to seek more emergent attention. Her medical knowledge and management decisions are superb. She is incredibly well organized and never waivers from absolute accountability. Patients call her because she listens, cares and helps them with their issues.
Even though Hanna has cared for innumerable patients, she genuinely cares and is concerned about each one. During my 50 years in medicine, she is hands down, one of the top nurses with whom I've had the privilege to work.
Mary Hall, BSN, RN
Unit: Hospice Care
Mary Hall, BSN, RN
When we met Nurse Mary, we were immediately affected by her level of kindness and compassion. It was clear that she had a sense or urgency when things may not be going as planned, and she did everything within her power to help get things on track. She always made sure my family had what we needed no matter how big or so small. She connected with our family over soccer as my wife was the consummate soccer mom. We found out Mary was, as well. We felt confident comfort; compassionate comfort. She made us feel like she was a part of our family, fighting with the same passion for my wife that we were. She took care of all of us. She even helped us figure out how to get our family dog, Mookie, to see Monica. That effort helped all of us feel like our entire family was there to support Monica in this process.
Words do not do justice to the impact that Mary had on our experience. Other doctors and nurses were good, but Mary was so far above what I ever expected that she has made a lasting impact on my girls and I. Her compassion, professionalism and kindness have stuck with me. Every person that has to make the decision to enter hospice should be so lucky to have Mary on their team. I hope Mary can have the highest recognition for her profession that is possible. Our experience would not have been the same without her there.
Lisa Hackler, RN
Unit: Home Health
Lisa Hackler, RN
After 10 months of my desperately seeking an accurate medical diagnosis in both outpatient and inpatient (x3) with primary care, neurology and psychiatry, Lisa Hackler, RN, diagnosed my mom with Serotonin Syndrome. Lisa accomplished this at her very first visit with my mom. Her dedication, research and voice NEVER gave up on helping mom get accurately diagnosed.
In March 2023, my mother's primary care physician prescribed Paxlovid without discontinuing her Buspirone, even though she did not need the prescription because she did not have any symptoms of COVID. Paxlovid has explicit warnings of side effects that are caused when mixed with Buspirone. There are also explicit warnings not to start this medication after five days. Both of these warnings were ignored by the prescribing physician, filling pharmacy and nursing staff that administered her medication. There were five documented near-death experiences witnessed while there could have been many more because she was living independently in an assisted living facility. As a result, mom's ADLs, speech, memory and mobility rapidly declined.
After mom's third hospital stay with follow-up rehabilitation, EvergreenHealth Home Care was hired for services. Lisa's first visit on 1/3/2024 was our first breakthrough for help. She immediately recognized the negative drug interaction. She witnessed a full-on episode and called 911. She then contacted me to participate in decisions. Paramedics checked her vital signs, and based on the history of hospital visits, we all agreed that it would not be beneficial. Lisa stressed the fact that this was a drug interaction that met the symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome. We agreed to progress with contacting the urgent Everett Clinic Medicare line to get in touch with her psychiatrist. We were able to speak with a psychiatrist on call. This psychiatrist did not agree with the diagnosis of Serotonin Syndrome. Lisa continued to be diligent about her clinical findings and as mom's durable power of attorney, I decided to discontinue one of her psychiatric medications. Lisa stayed late into the evening, extraordinarily going over and above any of the multitude of providers that had not researched or collaborated to get answers. The very next morning she continued to contact me with additional advice on next steps of getting the professional help that mom needed. She never gave up.
After a week of again speaking with mom's assigned primary, psychiatrist and neurologist; I still had no success with getting any help to resolve the issues. Transporting my mom was very difficult due to the rigidity and cloning. I had asked and shared documented reports numerous times to have the professionals collaborate about my mom and not one of them would communicate to resolve the issues. Instead, they just kept replying by telling me to talk to another one of her other providers.
On 1/9, Lisa returned first thing in the morning to double check on mom. I had also arranged for Dispatch Health to come see my mom the same day in hopes of obtaining support. Lisa saw that nothing had improved, and we continued to collaborate about how serious this condition is if not diagnosed. Dispatch Health arrived around 3:00 that afternoon. The ARNP walked in the door, without even examining my mom, let me know that she could not treat my mom. Mom needed to be transported immediately to the hospital because she had Serotonin Syndrome. She had seen it in Texas and knew immediately. After discussing the fact that mom had already been hospitalized three times, she suggested transporting to UW Montlake Hospital. Paramedics were called and the captain of the fire department arrived too.
While trying to transfer my mom to the gurney, she had another major episode. The Dispatch Health ARNP, captain of the fire department and the EMTs all notified UW Montlake Hospital Emergency Room that we were in transport and to be prepared. I hand-carried Lisa's notes from 1/3 and 1/9; as well as the Dispatch Health ARNP notes. After 4 hours at UW Emergency room, the attending wanted mom to be discharged to a skilled nursing facility. I was forced to confront and call out the attending's lack of education. I invoked my dPOA/Medicare rights. Finally, after the ER attending attempted to stand my mother up, he was convinced there was an actual problem.
Lisa was the only professional that would listen to me and truly take the time to fully examine, witness and diligently research mom's final diagnosis, Serotonin Syndrome which cause minor stroke. Not one professional, out of at least 50, took the time to really hear and witness what was happening. Serotonin Syndrome is very rare, but now proven to be possible. It cannot be diagnosed with standard blood work or radiology testing. Because of this, many professionals have said that Lisa deserves a Purple Heart. She is a selfless, devoted, humble and intelligent woman who utilizes her instincts and skills to go the "The Moon and Back" for each one of her patients. Lisa is a true Mother Teresa; she IS Mother Lisa.
Emily Cooper, RN, BSN
Unit: Post-Partum Care Center
Emily Cooper, RN, BSN
Emily Cooper saved our newborn baby's life. On May 31st when we visited Evergreen Health PP center for questions regarding lactation, we mentioned a few challenges with feeding for the baby and that he was lethargic. As a mom of 3, and an experienced nurse, Emily immediately felt the need to prioritize reviewing Ahan's vitals. She found out he was hypothermic, took steps to warm him up and feed him. Within a short time, she assessed that the baby needed additional care and must go to NICU. Emily went above and beyond in the ensuing hours where she coordinated with the pediatrician, NICU doctor and many other folks to help us out.
She strongly advocated for my child to be given additional care based on her own impeccable instincts. Thanks to her intervention, Ahan got the right medical support he needed for what turned out to be congenital heart defects. He underwent a 7-hour open heart surgery, within the next 24 hours, on June 2nd at Seattle Children's.
The Chief Surgeon of Pediatric Cardiac center at Seattle Children's, who was on Ahan's surgery team, appreciated that Emily was an outstanding nurse. He based this on the turn of events that led us to Seattle Children's.
Many angels came our way to save our son's life – his surgeon, cardiologist, anesthesiologist, resident doctor, numerous nurses at Seattle Children's. However, Emily is Ahan's Guardian Angel . She showed us the path to find these other angels and gave our boy a long lease to life. Thanks to Emily, we have a wonderful, curious, super loving, kind, intelligent and beautiful baby boy celebrating his first of many birthdays to come. He will have a normal, healthy life, and we are the lucky parents to celebrate this God-given blessing, thanks to Emily.
Jennifer McKinlay, RN
Unit: Family Maternity Center, Labor
Jennifer McKinlay, RN
Jennifer McKinlay is an engaging, involved, caring, mindful nurse that made my first induction experience the best it can be. I was giving birth for the second time but it was my first time getting induced. From the moment she greeted me in the lobby, I knew I was in good and safe hands. She made me feel so seen and understood. Once we got into our room, she made sure to go through my birth plan with me and explained and talked through everything that was helpful. She helped me feel empowered as a patient and that's truly hard to come by. She was calm throughout the whole process and was able to also understand my own emotions throughout the day. She demonstrated creativity and understanding for how I wanted my birth process to be like! She was so attentive and was able to help me throughout this difficulty and arduous process!! My induction went past her shift time, so she informed us that she'd come visit me in the postpartum room the next day – and she did! It was so thoughtful for her to check in on me and provide me a time to debrief with her even though she wasn't able to stay with me through the whole thing.
6 Silver Team
6 Silver Team
I am writing on behalf of my husband, Harry, who has had four different stays at Evergreen since December 2023. We have lost the exact count of our total number of days at your outstanding hospital but believe it is around 50. I have been fortunate to be allowed to stay with Harry the entire time, which has helped me learn so much about taking care of him from your very best asset…the nursing team on the 6th floor! So much so that we have requested placement on 6 Silver each time we have returned. Their excellent technical skills have provided Harry with outstanding care, coupled with their communication abilities which have kept us both well informed and helped us remain positive during all the medical procedures Harry has endured during his difficult illnesses during each admittance. But most of all, the compassion expressed daily for him has strongly influenced his will to get better. One small example of many is the courtesy of quietly closing doors at night goes a long way to promote the healing value of sleep.
It is clear to us that this great team works so well together due to their exceptional leader, Tessa Blomberg . She has supported us every time we have needed her help, including the negotiation of my safe stay in Harry's room while we recovered together from Covid, she promoted good two-way communication between me and one of Harry's nurses and she paved the way for us to return to the 6th floor on our 4th visit to preserve the continuity of care we so desperately needed. We have also enjoyed watching Tessa's daily interaction with her employees on the floor, always willing to roll up her sleeves and pitch in to help. It is obvious to us that she and all her employees share a mutual respect and enjoy their time together.
During our numerous stays, we have had the good fortune of getting to know most of the nursing teams assigned to the 6th floor, although every day we met new team members and were constantly impressed that the talent of so many employees never ended! In 2023, we nominated a nurse at a different hospital for the Daisy Award. In that case, one individual shined brightly making the selection for our nomination for this wonderful honor an easy choice. Due to the caliber of most of the RNs on 6 Silver, this nomination was difficult for us to decide for just one individual. We ended up submitting two outstanding candidates: Jenessen Lavadia of the day shift and Shauna Buckner of the night shift. These two were assigned many times to Harry's care throughout our multiple stays so we got to know them well. We hope that both fine nurses will be selected for the Daisy Award. Two other individuals who demonstrated excellence are Shuma, 6 Silver CNA/Tech and Andrea, 6th floor Physical Therapist . Shuma is a relatively new Tech who impressed us with his compassionate ways. He also was very responsive, intelligent, and well-liked by his peers. He is studying to become an RN and will be a great addition to that role as well. Andrea, Harry's 6th floor Physical Therapist excels in all Evergreen's values. Her skill level is exceptional, and best of all…she instantly bonds with her patients in a way that instills trust, confidence, and fun! Harry's mobility while working with Andrea has increased dramatically. Making a video of her in action would inspire everyone. In our opinion, all these fine people embody all the values that Evergreen Hospital aspires for its employees. Included is a list of many more outstanding contributors, including more from the 6th floor, plus individuals from other departments. We ask that you pass along our appreciation to all these excellent employees through their respective administrators.
Our medical journey started on November 14, 2023, at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, two and one-half hours from our home in Sequim as Harry needed specialists to treat him not to be found in our small hospital in Port Angeles. Circumstances followed, ultimately taking us to Evergreen in mid-December. We have felt so fortunate to have been taken care of by all your employees for almost four months.
Nicole Roden, MSN, RN, OCN
Unit: 6 Silver
Nurse Nicole has been my infusion nurse since I began my cancer journey. As hard as the past five years of treatment has been, Nicole has made it bearable and positive. Her personality and demeanor and her care during my infusions have encouraged me to fight and to deal with everything that is thrown my way.
With her care, I don't feel like a patient, but I feel like I'm family. Whether it's a smile or a laugh or kind words, Nicole shows that she really cares about me and all her patients. I don't know where I'd be if she wasn't my nurse.
She is kind; she is caring; she is professional; she is dedicated. Thank you for having her and other amazing nurses in this critical area of the hospital. I'm lucky to still be here. I know that care and the nurses make up a huge part of the success of cancer treatment. Nurse Nicole is a big part of my treatment success. On July 5th, I will be having my 89th chemo/infusion at Halvorson Cancer Center. I would not want treatment anywhere else. Thank you!
Araya Weaver, RN
Unit: 8 Silver
Araya came into my partner's hospital room and immediately demonstrated such a deep sense of empathy and expertise that she bestowed a sense of peace and confidence after a harrowing day post-surgery.
He had a tough double jaw surgery keeping him from being able to communicate, eat or properly express himself. Araya showed extreme patience and understanding with her main focus and target being to ensure his comfort and progress of healing. She was creative in coming up with syringe solutions to try to get him some food after over 36 hours of not eating anything.
Although we could tell it was a busy night on the floor Araya showed no sense of impatience in having Andres type out his concerns, sympathize and then try to find solutions to his pain and his need. Her sense of competence and eagerness to help him feel comfortable allowed us to breathe easy; we felt truly taken care of. I was able to sleep knowing that my partner was getting some relief and that he was being aptly taken care of.
Knowing that in the morning we were going to lose her brought a sense of panic, but she introduced us to the new nurse on shift and communicated all that we had done to improve my partner's experience. Thank you, Araya, for everything that you did to make two very, very scared people feel at ease with your empathy, patience, competence and care.
Chad Phillips, RN
Unit: Cardiovascular & Neurosurgery
After having a major surgery at Kirkland EvergreenHealth in August 2023 and spending a couple of nights at the ICU, I was moved to a non-ICU floor (Silver 5). Unfortunately, due to heavy medication, I don't recall all the outstanding nurses who took care of me both in the ICU and Silver 5, but one nurse, Chad Phillips, RN, was exceptional.
I was truly exhausted on the day of my discharge. Chad recognized my state and went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure a smooth, efficient, and expedient discharge. He tirelessly worked on securing the discharge papers, troubleshooting issues, and coordinating with different personnel who were essential to my discharge that day. Throughout the process Chad communicated with my wife to let her know when it was time to pick-up my prescription drugs and walker at the pharmacy, and bring the car around to the right pick-up spot where I would be waiting in a wheelchair. He separately accompanied my wife and me to the 5th floor elevator and gave each of us a genuine send-off – my wife on her way to the pharmacy and garage, and then me soon after, escorted by another nurse who wheeled me to the pick-up spot. It is evident that Chad is a competent, caring, and diligent nurse who has undoubtedly answered his calling.
Olivia Cote, RN
Unit: Emergency Department
Olivia was absolutely fantastic with cleaning my wound, showed empathy when I was in clear discomfort, and ensured I was well prepared for aftercare. She assisted me in getting into a wheelchair, assisted me with my crutches, and even assisted me as I struggled to get in the car.
Olivia, thank you so much for your help, support, and care today. This was mentally very tough for me, and you helped immensely. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Brooke Lang, RN
Unit: Emergency Department
My husband and I were in a three-car accident at 2:00 that afternoon. Our car was totaled, as was the car that hit us. That car pushed us into a third car. Airbags were deployed everywhere!
A very wonderful lady showed up and was assessing all the people involved in the crash from the worse to the least. She also relayed that info to the paramedics when they arrived. She then offered to take us to the ER that was close by to be looked over. She stayed with us while I had a CT scan on my neck and while my husband's bleeding nose was under control. Upon discharge, she then took us home from Mill Creek to just outside Snohomish.
When she dropped us off, Brooke then told us to call her at any time if we had questions or if we felt worse.
Brooke is a true Guardian Angel! We were so fortunate to have had her there at the time of the accident for triage and support.
Monica Hunt, BSN, RN
Unit: 5 Silver
Monica was my brother's nurse for only a day or two of his 23-day stay at Evergreen, but her care for him left a lasting impression on me and our family. She was compassionate and kind and seemed to genuinely want to be not only at work but with us as we navigated a terribly difficult situation.
She took the time to ask my brother about the future and gave him the encouragement he needed to believe he could get well again, something I had not seen in him in years. She performed her job well, but I felt she went above and beyond for him, reminding him he is human and a person outside of simply being a patient.
We had many, many nurses throughout our stay, but Monica is the standout by a mile. Although my brother passed away on 11/17, I can look back and see how the care he received impacted the end of his life and I am moved to tears just thinking about those who went above and beyond their duties. Monica did just that. I appreciate her so very much and was so grateful she was part of our journey. Thank you, Monica!
