Ozarks Healthcare recently announced Samantha “Sam” Kintner, licensed practical nurse from the Medical Surgical Department (Med/Surg), as the latest recipient of the Daisy Award For Extraordinary Nurses.
Kintner was honored for her exceptional compassion and dedication to patient care, said officials. Her nomination highlighted her remarkable efforts in caring for a unique patient who faced significant challenges.
Over several days, officials explained, Kintner developed a profound relationship with her patient, who had been paralyzed his whole life and occasionally resisted taking medications. Through her compassionate approach, Kintner engaged with the patient, actively listening to his preferences and needs. She discovered that he preferred to take his medications with Dr. Pepper, a detail she incorporated into his care routine. Despite the challenges, she was the only nurse able to consistently administer his medications, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to his well-being.
In addition to providing medical care, Kintner went above and beyond to uplift her patient's spirits. She facilitated opportunities for him to experience moments of joy, including taking him to see the hospital’s main entrance in a recliner, enhancing his sense of connection to community.
"Sam has truly made a difference in this patient’s life,” said Kaitlin Caldwell, Med/Surg manager. “She is a shining example of the compassion and superior service we strive for at Ozarks Healthcare.”
The Daisy Award is a testament to Sam's outstanding contributions to the field of nursing and her unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of her patients. Ozarks Healthcare extends its heartfelt congratulations to Sam for this well-deserved honor.
The not-for-profit Daisy Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, Calif., and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Barnes died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, a little known but not uncommon autoimmune disease. The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
Members of the public, including patients, visitors, nurses, physicians and Ozarks Healthcare staff may nominate a deserving nurse for his or her compassionate care and clinical excellence by filling out an a nomination form located online at www.ozarkshealthcare.com/your-visit or picking one up at several locations throughout Ozarks Healthcare’s hospital.
