Saint Mary’s recognizes latest DAISY Award nominees for extraordinary nursing care

Saint Mary’s Regional Health System is proud to recognize Kerstin Shirley, Shelby Jones and Lori Harman as its latest DAISY Award nominees. Their nominations reflect the compassion, leadership and commitment nurses demonstrate each day while caring for patients, supporting families and encouraging their colleagues. 

Kerstin Shirley was nominated by a former patient who described the meaningful support Shirley provided during a stay at Turning Point Adult Behavioral Health. The patient shared that Shirley consistently made time to listen and helped create an environment in which patients felt valued and supported. 

“She made time to talk to me and make sure that I was okay,” the patient wrote. “She was never in a rush to meet my needs and always heard what I had to say.” 

The nomination also praised Shirley’s positive attitude and the care she showed to patients throughout the facility. 

“Her positive attitude made a difference in the environment,” the patient wrote. “She continued to smile and made people feel uplifted, heard, and valued.” 

Shelby Jones, assistant director of the intensive care unit and emergency department, was nominated for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award by Lauryn Gore. Gore praised Jones for ensuring employees feel seen, supported and cared for, even during demanding workdays. 

“Her day is filled with things to do, but when an employee walks through the office door or calls her, she immediately stops what she is doing to ensure that they have her full attention,” Gore wrote. 

Gore also described Jones as a dependable leader who keeps both departments productive and focused on providing excellent care. 

“She is the definition of a DAISY leader,” Gore wrote. “One who works hard, sacrifices her own comforts, and provides excellent patient and staff care.” 

Lori Harman was nominated for the Lifetime DAISY Award in recognition of more than 25 years of service in labor and delivery. Her nomination highlighted her compassionate care for mothers and babies, her willingness to adapt as nursing practices evolve and the lasting impact she has made on patients, families and colleagues. 

“Throughout her career, she consistently puts the patient first,” the nomination states. “She practices with patience and genuine concern, helping families feel safe and supported during one of the most important and memorable times in their lives.” 

Harman was also recognized as a loyal and dependable colleague who supports her peers and serves as a trusted preceptor for new graduate nurses beginning their careers in labor and delivery. 

Additional DAISY Award nominees recognized during the quarter include: 

The DAISY Award is an international program that honors and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care nurses provide every day. Saint Mary’s is proud to recognize these outstanding nurses and teams for the difference they make in the lives of patients, families and colleagues.