Aspirus nurse earns award for extraordinary performance, commitment to patient care

UPPER PENINSULA, Mich. (WLUC) – Aspirus Iron River Hospital and Clinics has honored Heather Calkins, RN, with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in recognition of their commitment and patient-centered approach to care.

According to a press release from Aspirus, the award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

Aspirus Iron River Hospital DAISY Award recipients are nurses recognized for going above and beyond patient expectations by providing service with respect, compassion, and integrity; generating enthusiasm and energy while carrying out everyday duties and responsibilities; significantly making a difference and listening not only with ears but also with heart.

Calkins was nominated for the DAISY Award by a patient’s family. The Nomination reads:

“Our mom was diagnosed in 2009 with congestive heart failure. As mom’s disease progressed, we were faced with some tough decisions. We decided together that it had become time for my mom to leave her favorite place, her home, at Stanley Lake. We knew there would be a time that would come much too soon when we would need assistance in end-of-life care for her. This is when we met Heather. My mom was anxious, and scared, as were we, not knowing what was to come. Heather was wonderful. She was kind, compassionate, understanding, knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and comforting. She always answered our questions, made sure my mom’s needs were met, and our needs as well. She works closely with her team and peers and worked closely with my mom’s primary care doctor. Together they were excellent. Heather embodies all Aspirus’ core values not only as an employee and nurse, but also as a person. She became a friend to our family and is truly a treasure. Our thank you to her goes beyond measure.”

Aspirus says Calkins and other DAISY Award nominees were treated to cinnamon rolls which honor the memory of the late Patrick Barnes who once ate his father’s cinnamon roll when he was in the hospital without an appetite for food. He then requested one for the next day – and enough for all the nurses in the unit. The hope is that whenever a nurse smells that wonderful cinnamon aroma, they’ll stop for a minute and think of how special they are for being a nurse. Additionally, Calkins received a daisy honoree pin, certificate, a bouquet of daisies donated by Nature’s Riches, and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.

Established in 1999, the family of J. Patrick Barnes created the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award to honor his memory with a tribute to the skillful and compassionate care he received from his nurses during his hospitalization.

Today, more than 3,200 healthcare facilities in every state and 22 countries honor nurses with the DAISY award.

Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, visitors and colleagues and they are chosen by a multi-disciplinary team to receive the DAISY Award.

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