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Lucas County Health Center is proud to announce Teresa Reed, RN, as the recipient of the 2025 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. This prestigious honor is part of an international program that recognizes the exceptional clinical skill and compassionate care provided by nurses every day.
Teresa was nominated by the family member of a patient who shared a heartfelt story of the extraordinary care Teresa provided during a time of emotional and physical difficulty.
Reed’s nomination read:
“My sister is a terminal cancer patient and is currently a patient in EveryStep Kavanaugh House in Des Moines. A testimony to the extraordinary care this nurse provided – Margaret was transferred by ambulance to her daughter’s house on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Her daughter, a registered nurse herself, was confident she could care for her mother. However, she quicky found that caring for her mother was too challenging and that she needed much more care than she could provide. She called hospice the first night as her mom was combative, confused, bit, kicked, and pushed her continuously throughout the few hours she was there. At LCHC, this nurse was compassionate and patient with my sister. She never raised her voice once, despite the fact she was a handful – and then some. The last two days of her stay were even more challenging as she had become “dead weight.” To me, she felt as though she suddenly weighed 500 pounds. She could no longer walk, her legs were useless. She was continually trying to exit her bed and pushing the nurse call light button. It had to be frustrating, but this nurse never faltered and called my sister “sweetheart.” She continually asked if there was anything she could get for her. At the time, my sister was no longer eating much of anything and this nurse worked so hard to find something from the menu that would taste good and possibly appeal to her. She kept an eye on the water cup and filled it with fresh water and ice many times during her shift. Towards the end of the stay, she was searing the menu was soft foods that could easily be swallowed, as my sister was now choking easily. She didn’t have to do any of this – it was just in her nature. It takes a special person to become a nurse – and even more to become an extraordinary one. She was kind, considerate, remarkable, outstanding, amazing, and very, VERY patient. She never said a harsh word to my sister and treated her with gentle, loving hands. I cannot give her enough credit, nor can I find enough adjectives to express my appreciation for the care she gave. She should be the “poster child” representing all extraordinary nurses.
The DAISY Award was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, whose family was inspired to create the award following the compassionate care Patrick received from nurses during his illness. The award is now presented in healthcare facilities around the world.
“Teresa brings calm, kindness, and professionalism into every room she enters,” said Joni Hannon, Chief Nursing Officer. “Her recognition through the DAISY Award is so well deserved, and we’re grateful for the example she sets for us all.
As the 2025 DAISY Award honoree, Teresa received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the traditional hand-carved “Healer’s Touch” sculpture.