DAISY Award Winners

Kaci Bright, RN

Post-Acute Division
Hospice

Submitted by a patient’s family

Kaci prepared our family for the loss of my mother. I lived in another state, and Kaci notified me in enough time to be by my mother’s side at her death. My family will be forever grateful to Kaci for her compassion, sympathetic ear and heartfelt hugs. She has a special heart! Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System is blessed to have her. Congratulations, Kaci, on your DAISY award.

Teresa Dodrill, RN

Spartanburg Medical Center
Church Street Campus

Submitted by a patient’s family

My husband was flown to Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System after suffering his second heart attack. The first one, 10 years ago, nearly took his life. I was scared to death. Our closest family is seven hours away. Sunday night, my son and I attempted to sleep in our car while my husband was in CCU because driving home was too far. By Monday night, I was exhausted. I only had two hours of sleep in 36 hours and very little food because of emotional distress. I was resting in the lobby and around 1 a.m. his nurse approached me. She was concerned because he was not sleeping. She said he had not slept much the night before either and she was worried about him. She said she knew how married couples are and also knew I had very little sleep the night before. She said normally caregivers were not allowed to stay in the CCU at night, but she really wanted him to rest and felt like he would if I was in the chair beside him. She asked if I would come and stay beside him for a while. After just a few minutes sitting by him and holding his hand, my husband went to sleep and rested. He was discharged the following day. I am a nurse director and I love it when my nurses think outside the box for the betterment of our patients. We want to thank Teresa for such thoughtful and tender care during this stressful time. While Teresa was caring for my husband, another patient went into distress. She apologized for having to leave my husband. She was sweet to be concerned about leaving, but at the time, my husband’s needs were minor. We let her know how much we appreciated her helping to save the other patient's life. We were certain she would do the same for us if we needed her, too.

Danielle Wills

Spartanburg Medical Center
Church Street Campus

Submitted by a patient’s family

My husband was a fighter; he beat cancer before and always pushed through. He was truly the most loving and caring man. The night Danielle was his nurse, she went above and beyond to make sure he was comfortable, but she also sat with my family and I to listen as we told stories. I had concerns about transitioning him to comfort care. I struggled if it was the right decision. He had been through so much and always pulled through. Danielle held my hand and listened to my concerns. I will never forget the compassion she showed as she offered kind words. She kept telling me there were no wrong choices and that I needed to do what was best for my husband and our family. Danielle sat with him so I could get some sleep. She held his hand, assured him he was safe and let him know I was sleeping right next to him. I felt better knowing Danielle was there. She also educated me as things changed and always explained what she was doing. I will never forget the kindness Danielle showed us during the worst night of my life.