Cox Medical Center Branson Recognizes Six With Awards

Each quarter, CoxHealth recognizes nurses who have provided exceptional care with DAISY Awards®, and also recognizes outstanding nursing support staff with CoxHealth Sunshine Awards.

The DAISY Award® is a special honor given to extraordinary nurses internationally for the compassionate contributions they make every day going above and beyond expectations in science and sensitivity.

Patients, their friends and families, colleagues, physicians and volunteers may nominate a nurse for the award.

Here are the first award winners of 2024 from Cox Medical Center Branson.

DAISY® Awards

Elizabeth Gillan, RN

A patient nominated Elizabeth for providing exceptional care:

"From the moment I was wheeled into my room, Elizabeth was there to greet me. She saw how much pain I was in and began my medicine. At one point when I was in so much pain, she put my hair behind my ear and told me not to worry and that she would do whatever it takes to ensure my pain was eased.

I have been in and out of the hospital for the last 25 years with multiple surgeries and issues. Elizabeth is the best nurse I have ever encountered. My experience with Elizabeth gives me hope for the future. She makes me feel like a human with worth. I hope to encounter Elizabeth each time I have to be in the hospital.

Thanks again Elizabeth, you are the best."

Carlie Mease, RN

The parent of a patient nominated Carlie for taking care of their daughter with compassion:

"Our daughter was seen in urgent care and Carlie was absolutely amazing with her. Our daughter was having trouble giving a urine sample and we did not want her catheterized if at all possible.

Carlie respected our wishes, did not rush us, but encouraged our daughter. When she was finally able to give the sample, Carlie gave our daughter a big hug and gave lots of praise she had a smile on her face every time she entered the room and was so pleasant the entire time.

Our daughter loved Carlie and her smiles even when she was sick and not feeling good. This was a very comforting experience knowing that our daughter was taken care of with kindness, compassion and patience."

Patty Morris-Brothers, RN

A colleague nominated Patty for ensuring the safety of patients in the emergency department waiting room:

"While security was addressing a potentially lethal interaction outside the Emergency Department, Patty placed her own personal safety on the line to ensure all persons in the ED waiting room were evacuated to a more secure area and did not stop until the last person was out of harm’s way.

She showed incredible strength, compassion and care in executing her duties. She took the safety and care of her patients to levels rarely seen. She maintained her composure and acted without hesitation to protect others. This is nothing new as she demonstrates this behavior every day. It is a part of who she is.

We are blessed to have her as a part of the CoxHealth family and honored to work with someone of her character."

Sunshine Awards

Everett Millett, transporter

A colleague nominated Everett for his calm demeanor with patients:

"Everett came to the fourth floor to transport a patient to computed tomography (CT). The patient was having anxiety and trouble being still. Everett was kind, talked calmly to the patient and also helped him to the restroom. After the patient returned to his bed, Everett talked to him and helped him to remain calm so the CT could be done.

The floor was super busy, and Everett’s calm demeanor and caring attitude helped the staff. Every time Everett comes to the floor, he smiles, is compassionate with staff and patients and makes sure they get their needed help. We appreciate him very much."

Tara Sanders, lead emergency multi-care tech

A colleague nominated Tara for making a special delivery for a patient in need:

"A patient on vacation from out of state came to the ED in the evening due to a leaking nephrostomy tube and bag and no spare. Tara called around to find a replacement as we at the time did not have anything available in the hospital that fit the need.

Equipment was found at Cox South. Although it was snowing in Springfield and was late in the evening, Tara drove and picked up the supplies so the patient wouldn’t have to find their way around an unfamiliar town. The patient and family were overwhelmed with the support they received here.

Tara always goes above and beyond for the good of our patients and her coworkers. She is amazing!"

Cassie Wood, CNA

A colleague nominated Cassie for her detective work in locating a patient's phone:

"We had a patient who had lost her phone. She remembered putting it in her pillow case, but when she returned to her room after surgery, her bed had been stripped, remade and the laundry already shipped out.

Cassie stepped into action, called EVS, the Springfield hospital and Enterprise Laundry to give everyone a heads up. On the following Monday, the phone was located at the laundry facility and returned to us. We tried calling the patient to no avail, but knew the patient was going to start dialysis, so we were able to find her later in the week and return her phone to her in the unit.

Cassie’s detective work was a true blessing to this patient who had gone through so much. Cassie has a true servant’s heart which will shine brightly as she starts the nursing program."