ICU nurse recognized with DAISY Award

Earlier this year, a patient from Germany was visiting Florida when she became critically ill and was rushed to HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital. During the next several months, ICU nurse, Kimberly Towne, was instrumental in the patient’s recovery. When it was time for discharge, Kimberly came in on her off day to help the patient pack. Knowing that appearances were important to the patient, Kimberly tenderly curled her hair and did her makeup so she would be ready for the medical flight back home. The patient also requested champagne to toast to her departure, so Kimberly brought in sparking juice and plastic champagne glasses from home, to celebrate the patient’s healing.  

Recently Tena Barnes Carraher, co-founder of the DAISY Foundation, was at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital as Kimberly Towne, RN was presented with the DAISY Award. The award was established by the Barnes family after the death of her husband to give patients, families and co-workers a way to show gratitude to nurses for the compassionate care they provide. The award is given to nurses world-wide.

“Kimberly cared for this patient’s physical and medical needs but also for her whole being. Many of our colleagues played a part in this patient’s recovery, but Kim personally connected with this patient and lived our mission of the care and improvement of human life,” said Chief Nursing Officer Todd Cruz, RN at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital.