Anna Stanley, RN wins Daisy Award

NEWMAN REGIONAL HEALTH’S DAISY AWARD PRESENTED TO AN EXTRAORDINARY NURSE 

(EMPORIA, KS) Anna Stanley, RN of Newman Regional Health’s Clinical Decision Unit was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.  

Anna had 4 separate nominations for the November DAISY Award, a testament to her compassion and skills.   

Anna’s winning nomination stated, “There are many incredible nurses, but some go beyond expectations to provide not only outstanding clinical care but also a level of compassion and humanity that leaves a lasting impact. One such nurse is Anna.  
From the moment Anna entered the room, there was a noticeable sense of calm and reassurance. She introduced herself with a warm smile and a gentle demeanor that immediately put everyone at ease, patient and family alike. It wasn’t just what she did, but how she did it; with kindness, patience, and genuine concern for the person behind the diagnosis.  
Throughout the entire shift, Anna consistently went above and beyond. Whether it was taking extra time to explain things in a way the patient could understand, advocating for comfort and dignity, or simply being present in a moment of fear or uncertainty, Anna demonstrated an extraordinary level of care.  
One moment in particular stood out. A patient was having a very difficult day; they were anxious, in pain, and emotionally overwhelmed. Anna didn’t rush or minimize the experience. Instead, she sat with the patient, listened without interruption, and offered words of support that brought visible relief. She took the time to connect, to truly see the patient, not just treat the symptoms.  
These are the kinds of moments that aren’t charted, but they are deeply felt. They are the moments that make a difference.  
This nurse consistently embodies what the DAISY Award represents: clinical excellence paired with deep compassion. The care they provide is not only skilled and competent, but also deeply human. Patients and families remember this nurse not just for how they were treated, but for how they were cared for.  
I am proud to nominate Anna for the DAISY Award, and I believe she truly represents the heart of nursing.”   

Amber Fields, Director of the Clinical Decision Unit, said, “I am sincerely grateful and proud to have Anna as a valued member of the CDU team at Newman Regional Health. She consistently delivers exceptional patient care, recognizing each individual as a whole person rather than focusing solely on their medical needs. She has a remarkable ability to bring comfort, reassurance, and calm to patients and families, even during their most difficult moments. Anna truly exemplifies the core values of the DAISY Award, demonstrating extraordinary compassion, outstanding clinical expertise, and unwavering dedication to the nursing profession.”   

The DAISY Award ceremony was filled with joy as Anna’s family surprised her with their attendance, and many coworkers surrounded her in support. Heather Aylward, Chief Nursing Officer at Newman Regional Health, says, “Congratulations to our new DAISY Award winner Anna Stanley! Anna has been a great addition to our team she really takes the time to get to know her patients and personalizes their care.”   

She went on to explain, “Newman Regional Health gave out its first DAISY award in 2022 and since that time patients have contributed more than 500 nominations!  It is amazing that patients or their families take time out of their busy lives to thank their nurse. One of the best parts of my job is reading the nomination stories. Each story demonstrates how our staff truly cares about each patient, their families and our community as a whole. It is amazing for our staff to be part of a program that is in 5,400 healthcare facilities in all 50 states and 35 countries.”  

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes.  Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick 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.   

In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 5,000 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nurses Advancing Health Equity, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, Lifetime Achievement in Nursing and through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects, Medical Mission Grants and their new Health Equity Grant programs. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org. 

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About Newman Regional Health: Newman Regional Health is a community hospital owned by the citizens of Lyon County, Kansas. Recognized as a Level IV Trauma Center, Newman Regional Health provides a full range of emergency, surgical, orthopedic, cardiac, PCI accredited Cath Lab, obstetrics, gynecology, laboratory, and primary care. There is a well-respected inpatient acute and medical rehabilitation services department with a simulated life-style training apartment. With a mission to improve health in the community by providing high quality care and a vision to be a valued, trusted partner and regional provider of exemplary services, Newman Regional Health is considered a top community hospital in Kansas.  

For more information contact: Kacie Hastings Director of Marketing & Public Relations 

(620) 343-6800 x22614  

Khastings@newmanrh.org www.newmanrh.org