Saint Mary’s Regional Health System is proud to announce its third quarter DAISY Award recipients, honoring exceptional nurses whose dedication, compassion and professionalism make a lasting difference in the lives of patients, families and staff. 

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is part of a national recognition program that celebrates the skillful and compassionate care nurses provide every day. This quarter, Saint Mary’s recognizes three nurses for their outstanding contributions: Julie Berge, Kristi Barrett and Richie Hipps. 

Julie Berge, RN, was nominated by a patient who described her as “very professional, caring and compassionate at all times.” The patient shared that Julie “truly cares about her patients and will go above and beyond to provide comfort.” Throughout the patient’s two-night stay, Julie consistently anticipated needs, followed all protocols and created a healing environment through her attentiveness and genuine personality. “She asked me what my goals were so I could look forward to my future,” the patient wrote. “She made me feel very comfortable, and I am so glad I met her.” 

Kristi Barrett, RN, house supervisor, was honored with the DAISY Nurse Leader Award for her unwavering support of nursing staff and her compassionate leadership style. In her nomination, she was described as “the embodiment of what every nurse hopes for in a leader—someone who leads with compassion, consistency and a deep understanding of what bedside nurses face every day.” Colleagues praised Kristi for her willingness to step in wherever needed, from cleaning up patients to passing medications and for managing bed flow in a way that prioritizes staff well-being. “Her positive energy is infectious,” one team member noted. “She brings light to dark moments and calm to crisis situations, always uplifting staff morale without minimizing the challenges we face.” 

Richie Hipps, RN, was named the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. With more than 33 years of service in the Surgery Department, Richie is widely respected for her clinical expertise and ability to lead by example. In her nomination, Director of Surgery Bridget Davis wrote, “Her calm demeanor in high-pressure situations is a source of reassurance to those around her, and her adaptability has become a hallmark of her work.” Richie’s commitment to mentoring peers, embracing new technologies, and delivering excellent patient care has made her a beloved figure among staff and a frequent request among patients. 

In addition to the honorees, Saint Mary’s would like to recognize the following nominees for the third quarter DAISY Awards: Chloe Rhoads (4 East), Kristen Bocksnick (4 East), Tina Smith (Women’s & Children’s), Michele Bingham (Women’s & Children’s), Star Austin (4 East), Claire Brock (Women’s & Children’s), Kelsey Lytle (Emergency Department), Jane Goodman (Endoscopy), and Lauryn Gore, director of the Emergency Department and ICU, who was nominated for the Nurse Leader Award. 

Saint Mary’s is proud to celebrate these nurses and nurse leaders whose dedication and compassion reflect the mission of making communities healthier®.