Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital recently honored Brianna Stanke, RN, with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in recognition for 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.
Stanke works in the Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital Birthing Center and was nominated for the DAISY Award by a family member of a patient. The nomination reads in part (patient details removed): During the time I have worked here I have gotten to know a good chunk of the birthing center staff. When I found out my daughter was pregnant, I was at a loss of what to do. Brianna was one of the few people I told. Right from the start she was there giving me advice, answering questions and being the biggest supporter. Brianna made (my daughter) feel comfortable from the moment they met. (My daughter) said that she appreciated how Brianna was so kind and supportive during her labor. Brianna took the time to explain everything and make her feel comfortable. We will forever be thankful for Brianna and the rest of the Birthing Center staff. Words can never express how much Brianna has made an impact on my daughter.
Stanke and her 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, Stanke 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 Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital, please visit
aspirus.org.