Daisy Award

Nomination Year: 2023
Nominated by: Patient family members
Story #1: "My 66-year old husband stopped breathing at the home of our second daughter who called 911 immediately. I had just seen him briefly at noon, and I heard he had a wonderful day traveling to Watertown with his grandkids. The six EMTs who came super fast had to restart his heart and get his breathing started before delivering him to Watertown Regional MC. When I finally got there, I met Courtney. Even though he would eventually be airlifted to Milwaukee and spend two more days attached to life-sustaining apparatus, he probably had already experienced significant brain injury he could not recover from. He would end up leaving my side to go meet his Lord and Savior with all five of my children surrounding him in the early hours of Monday and singing the hymn “Amazing Grace” But back in Watertown, although the doctors seemed to have an inkling of the seriousness of his condition, I am so impressed with how Courtney treated us. She seemed genuinely stricken by our plight but also somehow exuded hopefulness. Her smile and bright face encouraged us to share things about Larry and she explained everything they had to do to prepare him for the airlift to Milwaukee. She encouraged us to talk to him and touch him before he left, and she let us watch him get loaded into the helicopter and then watch until it disappeared into the sunrise. For such a devastatingly scary event, it was beautiful. I imagined him already going to heaven. When we came back in, Courtney again surrounded us with empathy and answered all our questions. My daughter Erin has lived in Watertown for 16 or so years—how blessed she is to live in a town with such professional and kind health care workers like we experienced in Courtney and the other staff as well."

Story #2: "Courtney was my dad’s nurse when he came into the ER. She was so good at explaining everything she knew about his current status and also let us know what care he could be receiving. Once we knew he needed to be transferred she was advocating for us and him the whole time. She was so patient with our endless questions and made sure all of my family members were informed and taken care of. She worked hard to get my dad transferred to another hospital, and when he was med flighted, she allowed us to take a video of him flying away, which meant so much to our family. Even after he left the hospital, she continued to make sure that we were clear on the new hospital rules and that we had everything we needed to be able to take care of him once he left Watertown. We knew from the very start that my dad was in good hands and that Courtney genuinely cared about doing everything she could to help him and take care of us emotionally as a family."

Story #3: "It’s hard for me to put into words what Courtney did for us and meant to us on June 23, when my father-in-law went into the ER at midnight after having his breathing and heart stop at our home. She was incredibly kind, empathetic, and so helpful with our many questions as we were there at that very hard time in the ER. She was always there for us and was ready to help us in anyway that she could. She advocated for my father-in-law and helped my wife and I as we were there alone wondering if he would make it. I don’t know what we would’ve done that night without her professionalism and support. We were very blessed to have her. Thank you, Courtney!"

Nomination Year: 2023
Nominated by: Patient Family Member
Story: “Today I accompanied my parents to the hospital for a procedure that my dad had with Dr. Volkert. We spent the day in the ICU under the care of Chad, the RN. What a saint! He was so patient with my dad, who had so many questions and asked those same questions over and over again due to intermittent confusion. He explained things so well and made sure discharge instructions were understood. Chad was so attentive to my dad's needs, but also to my mom and me. I truly appreciate the time he spent with us and for his calm and patient demeanor. Thank you!"

Nomination Year: 2022
Nominated by: Jim K. (Patient)
Story:“Dear Lisa, I wanted to start by saying how much I appreciated your kindness, respect, gentleness and your overall care you provided me with my stay at Watertown Regional Hospital. Its individuals like yourself that truly make a person feel better when care is needed. From the time I entered your floor you made me feel at ease after what was a very traumatic situation for me. Never did I think that coming into the hospital for what I thought was a routine test to be swept away into surgery and spending the next two days in a hospital room. I’ve always prided myself on being a tough guy that never quits or stops. This was my very first time being in a hospital bed, not just a visitor. You let me know that it is okay to just rest once in a while! I’m submitting your name along with a copy of this letter to the hospital in hopes that you receive the recognition that you deserve. Thank you again for nothing short of “World Class Service” Have a very Merry Christmas!! One Satisfied Customer!”

Nomination Year: 2022
Nominated by: Patient
Story: When my husband and I met Kellie, she was warm and welcoming. This was our first baby, so Jacob and I had no idea w hat to expect. Kellie explained everything step by step. She was always calm and always there when we needed her. She suggested many ways/positions to use when I was having contractions. If one position didn't work, she easily helped me to another! After having our baby, we were so lucky to have her as our nurse the next day. Kellie made sure that I was comfortable on the bed and helped me to the bathroom. She made sure I had everything I needed for postpartum. Again, she was always positive and helpful. When I was breastfeeding, she showed me different positions and made sure our baby was latching correctly. We were sad to say goodbye to Kellie. She truly made our experience special, even after a complicated birth. Thank you Kellie!