A Passion for Quality Care
Nancy Berg, RN, Rehabilitation UnitNancy Berg's passion for quality care and her commitment to ongoing education earned her the DAISY award for November 2008.
As a case manager and admissions coordinator, Nancy works diligently to educate patients and families about the rehab program.
Nancy doesn't do direct patient care — her primary role involves meeting with patients and explaining to them the rehab routine, expectations and goals. Her patients recognize her as someone who has been supportive of them in her care.
"Nancy stays in touch with patients and families throughout their entire stay," Janie Olson, MeritCare's Rehabilitation Unit Nursing Manager says. "They recognize her for her commitment in working with them, and her coworkers do, too."
Nancy's qualities make her the model recipient of the DAISY award. Recipients of the DAISY award personify MeritCare's commitment to provide a remarkable patient experience by consistently demonstrating service excellence through clinical expertise and extraordinary care. DAISY award winner are also recognized by their peers as outstanding role models.
Dedicated to Her Profession and Her Patients
Kristi Knutson, LPN, Orthopaedics/Neurology UnitEvery day for the past 19 years Kristi Knutson travels the nearly 40-mile commute between her home in Ulen, Minn., and MeritCare Hospital's downtown Fargo campus. Never does treacherous weather come between her and her patients.
"Rain, sleet or snow, she makes it to work," Barb Hoff, Kristi's patient care manager says. "There is no stopping her."
Kristi's dependability and dedication to her profession is what prompted a former patient's daughter to nominate her for the DAISY award. Her nominator felt Kristi consistently went above and beyond the standards of care throughout her mother's treatment.
"Kristi came in to see my mother after surgery even when she was off duty," her patient's daughter said. "She explained procedures and provided updates to all of my family."
Barb Hoff, Kristi's supervising manager, says that Kristi continuously receives compliments on the care that she gives her patients. Kristi is described as a model nurse and a wonderful and caring individual.
"Patients love her," Hoff says.
Kristi's dedication to her profession and her patients deserve to be recognized, which is why Kristi is the DAISY award recipient for December 2008.
A Gentle and Reassuring Presence
Sharon Dreyer, RN, Orthopaedics/Neurology UnitSharon Dreyer is a hard worker. Her tenure at MeritCare, along with praise from patients, patient's families and coworkers, are a testament to Dreyer's commitment to quality nursing care.
Fifteen years ago Dreyer joined the MeritCare team working as a unit clerk. Dreyer continued to support herself working as a unit clerk as she pursued her LPN. Once she obtained her LPN, she went on to earn her nursing degree. Dreyer now is a registered nurse at MeritCare Hospital, Fargo.
"She's worked just about every position possible," Barb Hoff, Dreyer's supervisor says. "She's been with the Orthopaedics/Neurology Unit ever since." Having worked nearly every position in the hospital unit explains Dreyer's willingness to help out wherever she is needed.
It was Dreyer's hard work that caught the attention of a patient's daughter, who nominated Dreyer for the Daisy award.
"Sharon worked very hard to improve my mother's condition as it was deteriorating," the patient's daughter says. "She was consistently thorough, gentle and reassuring."
Not only is Dreyer a hard worker, but her supervisor notes that she also follows up on any concerns patients or families may have. The families of her patients agree.
"She led my mother and me through the entire process of orthopedic care," the patient's daughter says. "Sharon's quick action, expertise and outstanding care saved my mother's life."
When Sharon is not hard at work at MeritCare, she enjoys spending time with her grandkids and traveling.
Connecting with Her Patients
Delores Welken, RN, MeritCare Valley CityNurse Delores Welken is overheard as she walks families and patients through MeritCare Valley City clinic corridors. "I overhear Delores interact with her patients as she walks them down the hall," Linda Lane, Valley City Clinic manager, says. "She makes each person feel so special and cared for."
Coworkers and families alike recognize Deloris' ability to connect with her patients, which is why Deloris is MeritCare's DAISY award recipient for December 2008. Deloris is described by her coworkers as kind, caring and considerate.
"Deloris treats patients as if they were her own family," a coworker says. Behind Deloris' friendly disposition is a knowledgeable nurse with a diverse background in emergency nursing.
"Deloris is such a resource to the clinic," Lane says. "She's an advocate for our patients, going out of her way to make sure that they get all of their questions answered and all of their needs met."
Delores' expertise and kind temperament serve as a testament to her DAISY award. She possesses the qualities that define a true caregiver.