RHINELANDER, Wis. – Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital recently honored Rachel Milkey, RN, and Kristine Morgan, RN, with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in recognition of their commitment and patient-centered approach to care. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.
Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital DAISY Award recipients are nurses recognized for going above and beyond patient expectations by providing service with respect, compassion, and integrity; generating enthusiasm and energy while carrying out everyday duties and responsibilities; significantly making a difference and listening not only with ears but also with heart.
Milkey and Morgan work in the Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital Emergency Department and were nominated for the DAISY Award by a grateful patient. The nomination for Milkey reads in part:
I walked into the emergency room like a zombie yesterday and this beautiful smiling nurse had me laughing in minutes, and so comfortable, it could actually bring tears to my eyes. I mean it. I laughed so hard. She was so funny, so nice, and one of the first things she said when she walked into my room was “you know your body, you tell me what’s going on? How can I help you.” You are a very special kind of nurse, Rachel, and don’t ever lose that spark and compassion, and love for your job and patients! Their work needs more good souls in healthcare and Aspirus definitely has one here!
The nomination for Morgan reads in part:
When I tell you this amazing woman went out of her way to make me laugh, make me smile, talk to me, relate to me, keep my boyfriend, up-to-date and comfortable, make sure my pain was managed, and literally never once did I feel like a burden for anything I needed. I mean, saying she went above and beyond is an understatement. It’s a day later and thinking about her brings tears to my eyes! The world needs more people like her. You truly charmed one of the most painful worst weeks of my life around with your beautiful smile and I will never forget you for that! Thank you. Kristine keep being you!
Morgan and Milkey, and their co-workers, were treated to cinnamon rolls which honor the memory of the late Patrick Barnes who once ate his father’s cinnamon roll when he was in the hospital without an appetite for food. He then requested one for the next day – and enough for all the nurses in the unit. The hope is that whenever a nurse smells that wonderful cinnamon aroma, they’ll stop for a minute and think of how special they are for being a nurse. Additionally, they each received an honoree pin, certificate, and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.
Established in 1999, the family of J. Patrick Barnes created the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award to honor his memory with a tribute to the skillful and compassionate care he received from his nurses during his hospitalization. Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, visitors and colleagues and they are chosen by a multi-disciplinary team to receive the DAISY Award.
The DAISY Award recognizes the outstanding and extraordinary care nurses provide every day. Aspirus DAISY Award winners and nominees exceed the needs and expectations of patients and families by displaying the Aspirus core values of: Compassion, Accountability, Collaboration, Foresight and Joy.
For more information about the Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital – Emergency Department, please visit
aspirus.org.