Within our Walls: Kristy Konschak DAISY Award winner

CHI St. Alexius Health Carrington held its annual DAISY award celebration on May 6, 2024. This year marked the thirteenth year we have celebrated this award.

The DAISY award was created by the DAISY Foundation in 1999. The DAISY foundation was started by members of the Patrick Barnes family.

Patrick was a 33- year- old man who died from complications of an auto-immune disease. During Pat's 8-week fight with this disease, his family was very impressed with the extraordinary care he and they received from Pat's nurses. They were not only impressed with the clinical care the nurses provided, but were overwhelmed with the compassion and kindness the nurses brought to Pat's bedside day in and day out.

What started out as a thank you from their family to nurses has grown into a meaningful recognition program embraced by thousands of healthcare organizations around the world. We are very proud to partner with DAISY as we have extraordinary nurses here at CHI St. Alexius Health Carrington.

This year we had eight extraordinary nurse nominees: Ashlynn Benson, Karen Munkeby, Kristy Konschak, Carol Koepplin, Amy Fritel, Emilee Larson, Eric McCann and Angela Kutz.

The 2024 DAISY award winner was Kristy Konschak. Kristy received four nominations this year. Here is what her nominaters had to say:

• Nominator 1: Wow-where to start? I've had several procedures in Carrington's Same Day surgery department. It was a pleasure walking in this morning and seeing this nurse once again. So many faces have changed so it was comforting to see her and know that the care I'd receive would once again be friendly and easy going-yet very professional. She's knowledgeable, friendly, attentive, and thorough. If she doesn't have an answer about something she'll address it with the doctor or anesthesiologist or "whatever" and supply answers to questions you may have. Her demeanor (which is positive) seems consistent whether she's interacting with me, other patients, or other medical staff. I sincerely believe this nurse deserves a Daisy Award!

Nominator 2: This nurse is not just a leader. She seems to be part of the group as a whole. She steps and helps when needed and doesn't let her seniority go to her head. Very nice and easy to talk to.

Nominator 3: When I was in the hospital I received great care from the nurses, but this one nurse shared her tea with me. I think that is going above and beyond for patients. I hadn't been eating or drinking much because I didn't feel good. This made me feel special.

Nominator 4: I want to nominate this nurse because she has always been the most kind and compassionate nurse when I have been in the hospital. One time I came into the ER and this nurse came in on her day off to take care of me. She put her own family time on hold just to make sure someone else's family was taken care of.

I also remember the day my daughter was in recovery after surgery. When she was able to have something to drink, she wanted a pop that isn't kept at the nurse's station. This nurse took her own money and went to the vending machine just to please her. Now that was going above and beyond!

This nurse never makes me feel like I am being a bother or interrupting her. She ALWAYS says she is "just doing her job and that's what she is here for," but it is always more than that. She really shows and proves that she cares about her patients. She remembers so many personal details and really connects with me. This nurse has been and is very deserving of this award.

Congratulations Kristy! We are very fortunate to have Kristy work at CHI St. Alexius Health Carrington.