Awards and Recognitions

Calm in Crisis. Care in Action. When an emergency notification about an active shooter was issued, Alicia Criger, Emporia Clinic Nurse Manager, took charge with speed and composure. Within minutes, she locked down staff and patients in their current locations to keep everyone safe. For two tense hours—marked by confusion and communication gaps—Alicia stayed calm,…

When a baby entered the world at just 26 weeks, Calli, NICU RN, became a lifeline for the family for more than 60 days—and made an impact that will last a lifetime.

Extraordinary nursing is more than clinical skill; it’s the human moments that bring dignity and hope. We’re proud to celebrate Marissa Arredondo, Acute Care RN at the Stormont Vail Health Spine Center, for receiving the DAISY Award. Her patient’s nomination tells the story: after a traumatic accident, Marissa combined expert care with simple acts of…

We’re proud to celebrate Caitlyn Viergever, an RN at the Cotton O’Neil Cancer Center, for receiving a DAISY Award! When a patient had a rare reaction to a routine medication, Caitlyn didn’t hesitate to jump into action. Her quick thinking and calm presence turned a frightening moment into one of trust and safety. Read her…

When a patient arrived to their appointment frustrated and closed off, Michelle turned it all around in just one visit. Read her story.

Tenet Shown: “Together we treat every patient, visitor, and team member with compassion and dignity.” We’re proud to celebrate Donnie Wells, patient care technician (PCT) on our Behavioral Health team, as October’s Person of the Moment! Donnie is known for his calm, caring approach and his ability to meet people where they are. Whether it’s…

We’re proud to recognize Brett Baker, registered nurse (RN) in our Emergency Department, for his DAISY Award! When a young patient on the autism spectrum arrived in the ER after a painful injury, Brett went above and beyond to create a safe and calming environment. He offered fidget toys to help soothe the child and…

Caroline Abrahamson, a speech language pathologist with our Rehabilitation Services team, exemplifies the power of human connection in healthcare. Her clinical expertise is matched by her deep commitment to understanding each patient’s story. She reminds us that healing isn’t clinical, it’s personal—and that’s why we’re proud to recognize her as this month’s Person of the…

When a nurse can turn fear into laughter and pain into comfort, that’s something worth celebrating. Ivan Lopez, an Acute Care RN with our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), received a nomination from a mother who experienced his care firsthand—twice. First, as he comforted her daughter during her first hospital stay, and then again when…

Stormont Vail Health is proud to recognize Maci Kasprzak, registered nurse (RN) in our Pediatric Care unit, as a DAISY Award honoree! After a complicated procedure and an unexpected overnight stay, one patient described Maci’s care as life-changing. Her ability to combine clinical excellence with genuine human connection made all the difference. Throughout the day,…