Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital recently announced its latest DAISY Award winners. Stephanie Henshaw, RN, was honored in October and Ryan Caez, RN, was honored in November. The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skills and compassionate care given by nurses every day.

Henshaw, who works in Surgicare, was nominated for the award by a patient for her professionalism and compassion during a recent surgerical procedure.

According to the nomination letter, the patient was in Surgicare preparing for a minor procedure. “I knew from the first interaction that Stephanie was a nurse that connected well with her patients. She not only displayed professionalism, but I could tell she really showed great care and concern for me as a person,” wrote the patient.

The one moment that stood out the most to the patient was when Stephanie asked if there was anything important, she should know before surgery. “What really made a positive impression was the fact that as Stephanie was preparing me for surgery, she asked what was important to me and what I wanted to ensure she knew, as well as the OR Team. Well, that was it,” stated the patient.

Caez, the November DAISY Award winner, works in the Operating Room and was nominated by a fellow colleague for going above and beyond for a pediatric patient.

According to the nomination letter, he coordinated planning between multiple departments (emergency department, radiology, anesthesia, and pediatrics) to provide prompt care to a young patient in need. “Having a sick child is scary for any parents, but Ryan took the time to make sure all team members involved in this child’s care spoke to the parents and explained to them exactly what procedure we were about to do for their child and why,” wrote Megan Karbowski, Phoebe Family employee.

Ryan did not have to be involved in the case as the surgical procedure was being performed out of the operating room. However, Ryan understood the need for an extra pair of helping hands and assisted the other departments for the duration of the procedure.

“He put the safety of the patient first and foremost. We couldn’t have done it without his help. The parents even let me know how much they appreciated Ryan’s thoughtfulness,” added Megan.


The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

At a presentation given in front of the nurse’s colleagues, physicians, patients, and visitors, the honoree receives a certificate commending her or him for being an "Extraordinary Nurse." The honoree is also given a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.

To nominate a nurse or read the full nomination letters for award winners, go to phoebehealth.com/daisyaward.