DAISY
Juana Penaloza, RN

Congratulations to FHN's February DAISY Award winner, Juana Penaloza, RN! "Juana has a shining personality," writes her nominator. "Her compassion and passion are radiant! Every time she entered the room, she was kind, patient, informative, and caring. She went above and beyond for my mother to ensure she was safe and comfortable. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!

BEE
Lilly Curtiss, CNA

FHN's BEE Award committee couldn't choose a winner between two great stories, but our winner made it very easy - they were both about her! Congratulations, Lilly Curtiss, CNA on the FHN Memorial Hospital Med/Surg service, for making a difference for two families! "Lilly, my CNA, is such a beautiful, calming soul. Thorough and talented, with so much empathy and compassion. She was my dad’s CNA years ago, and is now mine. She is truly good."

"I am truly blessed by the excellent care she provided me. I am so thankful for her compassion and empathy ... Lilly, thank you for taking the time to listen to me. You truly have a servant’s heart."

DAISY
Tori Clark, RN

After spending the past 7 years in various hospitals and a nursing home, I have developed a keen eye for stellar nursing care. That’s why I know that Tori broke the mold for great nurses. When she enters your room, you can’t help but feel as though you are welcoming a best friend. She keeps up conversation and helps you to feel at ease. When she is giving medication, her expertise shines through.

For me, her excellence became apparent when I needed a new IV put in. I am a VERY tough stick. Tori tried twice, as well as another nurse who was with her. She was very careful and caring when she could not get it; she got someone from the cath lab who needed five tries to start the IV.

Tori again rose to the occasion when it was discovered that I had a suture left over from foot surgery in Chicago. She was able to quickly find someone to remove it and checked in on me to see how I was!

Also, I have never seen a nurse work so well with other members of the team – emptying my catheter, transferring me to the commode, helping clean me up afterward – a true team player!

DAISY
Shawna Cook, RN

May DAISY Award recipient GI Nurse Navigator Shawna Cook helped a patient with disabilities get the care they needed.

According to her nomination: "The individual is non-verbal and not able to express what they are feeling, even as they dealt with some gastrointestinal issues. They express pain in a more physical manner, and while some people may regard those behaviors as just that – behaviors – Shawna and FHN GI Nurse Practitioner Steve Harweger went above and beyond to help them get the full care they need and deserve.
After nearly 3 months of diagnostic testing, battling with insurance and other obstacles, Shawna and Steve were able to assist the patient in getting approved for the medication. Their compassion and determination will truly make a tremendous impact on the patient’s quality of life!

BEE
Nicole Kass

FHN Orthopaedic Patient Service Representative Nicole Kass got quite a surprise on her birthday - she received FHN's May BEE Award!

Nicole's nominator was referred to FHN Podiatry for follow-up care after a Friday afternoon visit to FHN/Physicians Immediate Care for an infected foot. Nicole assisted the podiatry team with taking notes for the podiatrist and promised a call-back on Monday.
"When I showed up for that appointment, Nicole remembered me by name and asked how I was feeling. She checked me in for my appointment, as there wasn’t a podiatry PSR available to check me in. She did a great job and was very polite! I spoke to another person at Burchard Hills that day about what a good job Nicole does, and she said other patients have commented on her good work and personality, and since she has started working there, the office was a more friendly and pleasant place!"

DAISY
Leslie Hardin, RN

Congratulations to FHN’s March DAISY Award recipient, Leslie Hardin, RN! Leslie was part of the team who took excellent care of a very stressed mom dealing with breathing issues in the FHN Memorial Hospital Emergency Department while her husband was being released from care by the FHN Heart Team.

The patient had praise for every member of the team, but Leslie stood out: “Leslie, you impressed me and I want to say thank you. Boy, are you in the right field! You clearly have a love for your patients and nursing. … You gave me hope. What an admirable attribute, to be able to give a sick and scared patient hope! I want you to know how amazing that effect was and how transformative it was to my improvement. … Leslie, I’ll always remember your strength, kindness and stellar nursing care.”

BEE
Katherine Schoonhoven, CNA

Congratulations to FHN's March 2022 BEE winner, Certified Medical Assistant Katherine Schoonhoven, who made what seemed like a scary situation much better for a local family!

Her nominator writes: "I was at your COVID-19 testing tent with my 3 children. My kids were very scared and were asking all kinds of questions, and she took the time to answer all their questions. I want her to be recognized because the way she explained everything, my children felt more at ease with her and when we were done, I looked behind us and there were 3 cars lined up. Even though there were others waiting, she still made time to alleviate their concerns. She gets an A+ from this family. During these trying times, it's nice to see that people still do care. Thank you, thank you, Kathy, you deserve an award!"