Laine Custer Named 2nd "DAISY" Award Recipient

Laine Custer, RN, was named the second DAISY award recipient at a Thursday, November 20 morning ceremony. Custer, who has worked in the medical center’s public health department for 22 years, received the award in front of a crowd of over 75 who came to honor the 10 nominees. Katie Heldt, chief nurse executive, read all of the nominations and each nominee was given a bouquet of daisies, a special name badge card and a DAISY pin.

Custer received a certificate that reads, “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” She also received a beautiful hand-carved sculpture. Custer joins thousands of nurses world-wide who, in the past 15 years, have been recognized for the extraordinary care they provide patients.

Custer was nominated by fellow public health nurse Sarah Borgeson. In her nomination letter, Borgeson said “It is a true gift to work with Laine Custer. She is resourceful, has a positive attitude and is quite often doing more than required for her fellow staff, clients and students. Laine listens with her heart and I often hear her say “we have to do what is best for our clients.” I have personally witnessed her compassionate care and genuine kindness.”

The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the “superhuman efforts nurses perform every day.” That foundation was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. He 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 inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

The medical center intends to honor nurses twice a year with a DAISY award. Nominations can be made by patients, their family members, caretakers, community members or co-workers. Patients and family members are especially encouraged to participate in the nomination process. 

The second round of DAISY Award nominees included:
Andrea Allbee, Acute Care
Janelle Cates, Acute Care
Laine Custer, Public Health
Allie Hamilton, Acute Care
Kathi Hoskins, Surgery
Abby Skoglund, Acute Care
Kim Tasler, Acute Care
Dawn Tingwald, Acute Care
Becky Wolf, Public Health
Tammy Zuber, Acute Care