Kenzie Blentlinger, RN, 3 Surgical, became the 69th Blessing Hospital nurse to receive the international DAISY Award during a ceremony on February 24, 2022.

Patients and their family members, visitors, doctors, hospital staff members or volunteers may recognize the extraordinary care provided by nurses through a DAISY award nomination.

Kenzie was nominated by a patient to whom she provided care, Blessing Hospital Chaplain Tracy Armstrong. The nomination read, in part:

“In the middle of the night, my blood pressure continued to drop to the point that even I knew it was way too low and a rapid response was called. Being a hospital chaplain, I knew what to expect. Kenzie handled everything amazingly and I always felt like I was her priority even though I know she had other patients and had to share her time.”

“A few hours later, I had to be taken back to the OR to remove a blood clot that had formed and was the source of the problem. Kenzie didn't miss a beat getting me prepped for surgery and that evening, she came back to be my nurse again.”

“Kenzie is a new RN and if she is the future of nursing, Blessing is truly blessed! What really touched me again was the following day. I was not her patient on Friday morning but before she left for the day, she came to my room to see how I was doing and to just let me know she was thinking about me. Kenzie definitely demonstrated excellence through her clinical expertise and extraordinary compassionate care. I am blessed to have been her patient.”

DAISY stands for “Diseases Attacking the Immune System.” The family of a 33-year-old man, who died of an immune system disorder, began the program in 1999 to honor his memory by recognizing extraordinary nurses everywhere who make a difference in the lives of people by the work they do every day. More than 4,800 healthcare providers worldwide participate in the DAISY Award program.

 DAISY award nominations forms are located on all nursing units throughout Blessing Hospital or by clicking here.