The Sconi

Aspirus Eagle River Hospital has recognized Morgan Westphal, RN, with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. This award is part of a program by the DAISY Foundation that acknowledges the exceptional efforts of nurses daily.

Recipients of the DAISY Award at Aspirus Eagle River Hospital are acknowledged for surpassing patient expectations through respectful, compassionate, and integrity-driven service. They also generate enthusiasm while performing their duties and significantly impact patients by listening with both ears and heart.

Westphal was working in the hospital's Emergency Department when she was nominated for the award by a thankful patient. The nomination states: “I was seen on 6/21 in the ED after falling and hitting my head. Morgan was my nurse. She is the most compassionate, caring, understanding, outstanding nurse. This kid deserves an award! She even remembered taking care of me a year ago. I can’t say enough about Morgan. She really comforted me and was truly amazing.”

To celebrate her achievement, Westphal and her colleagues enjoyed cinnamon rolls in memory of Patrick Barnes. Barnes once requested cinnamon rolls for all nurses in his unit after eating one during his hospitalization. The aroma serves as a reminder of how special nurses are.

In addition to cinnamon rolls, Westphal received an honoree pin, certificate, and a sculpture named A Healer’s Touch from artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.

The DAISY Award was established in 1999 by J. Patrick Barnes' family to honor his memory and acknowledge the compassionate care he received from nurses during his illness. Nurses can be nominated by patients, families, visitors, or colleagues and are selected by a multidisciplinary team.

The award highlights extraordinary nursing care provided every day at Aspirus Eagle River Hospital. Winners embody Aspirus core values: Compassion, Accountability, Collaboration, Foresight, and Joy.

For further details about Aspirus Eagle River Hospital, visit aspirus.org.