Katryna Racki, LPN, at Logan Health – Shelby was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. Katryna was recognized during a surprise presentation by the Logan Health – Shelby nursing staff on Thursday, February 29. 
The nomination submitted read, “Katryna has been such a blessing to me during this time in the hospital. When I came into the emergency room I was so very sick, and she first attended to me there. She was gentle and patient with me and helped me stay calm so I could breathe better. When I was admitted, she ended up being one of my nurses on the floor – LUCKY ME! She came in every morning with that beautiful smile and didn’t just do the “nurse” thing, she did the genuine care for me thing, and it has made all the difference in my recovery. At every turn, she has gone over and above to make sure I’m comfortable, even when taking those horrible breathing treatments. She coaxed me through them even when I just wanted to give up. I know nurses, my sister is a registered nurse. Some are technical, some are matter of fact, all are educated and do a wonderful service. But every now and then you find a Katryna, a nurse among nurses, a sweetheart with a beautiful welcoming smile who just can’t help to make you feel better. Thank you, sweet girl, you made my life a whole lot easier with your care.”
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.
Said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, CEO and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation, “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Logan Health – Shelby are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”
“I am proud of all the nursing staff at Logan Health – Shelby. Katryna’s care and compassion has truly made a difference in the patients she has cared for and I can’t think of someone more deserving,” said Courtney Hovland, Logan Health – Shelby Executive Director of Nursing. Others nominated for the award include Amber Massey, RN; Lisa Leck, RN; and Suzy Walter, RN. “We are proud of all of those that were nominated and appreciate all that they do to care for our patients every day,” expressed Hovland.
Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. Nomination forms are available in the emergency room waiting area and patient rooms at Logan Health – Shelby (LHS), as well as at the LHS Care Center and at the LHS Assisted Living Facility.
More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.