In a heartwarming ceremony last week, Registered Nurse Laken Hammer was honored with the prestigious international DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, recognizing her exceptional compassion and skill in patient care. The emotional event brought together hospital staff, administration, and the family who nominated her for this distinguished recognition.
A Well-Deserved Honor
Laken, who has dedicated six years to the Women’s and Children’s Unit, received the award following a powerful nomination from a patient whose birth experience was transformed by Laken’s extraordinary care. The DAISY Award, which stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, was established by the family of Patrick Barnes following his death from complications of an auto-immune disease, and honors nurses worldwide who provide exceptional care.
“When we review DAISY nominations, we’re looking for nurses who go above and beyond the technical aspects of nursing to deliver truly compassionate care,” explained Shelley Wilson, Chief Nursing Officer. “Laken’s nomination stood out because it demonstrated how one nurse can make a profound difference in a patient’s life during an incredibly vulnerable time.”
A Patient’s Story
The nomination came from Kyleigh Johnson, who delivered her first child under Laken’s care. Kyleigh shared her story during the ceremony:
“I had to be induced at 42 weeks, and I had a lot of nerves and anxiety going into it. Laken immediately made a personal connection with me and made me feel at ease. She did an amazing job of keeping me calm and informed during the whole process. At one point, my blood pressure was low and my baby’s heart rate kept dropping. There were multiple staff in my room helping me and the baby. Laken took the time to explain what they were doing and what medications they were giving me. I appreciated this so much. I was scared of what was happening and I felt safe and reassured!”
Kyleigh explained that Laken shift had ended when the baby was born but as soon as she was back on shift she came in to check on her and the baby. “For the next few nights Laken took care of me physically and mentally as well as taking care of my baby. She also allowed me to get some rest when I was struggling. Laken went above and beyond to make sure my baby and I were comfortable and taken care of. After discharge, we followed up for breastfeeding support. Laken was working and made sure to come over to see the baby and check in with me on how I was doing. She reassured me that everything would be alright and that I was going to be a good mom. I will never forget my labor and postpartum experience at HCH and Laken was a big part of it being so positive.”
“If I get blessed to have another baby I hope Laken will be part of our care team! Coralynn and I are so grateful for Laken!” – Kyleigh Johnson
A Humble Recipient
During the award ceremony, Laken received the traditional DAISY Award gifts: a certificate, a hand-carved “Healer’s Touch” sculpture, and cinnamon rolls to share with her unit—a nod to one of the few foods Patrick Barnes could eat during his illness.
The Impact of Recognition
Hospital administration noted that the DAISY Award program has been instrumental in highlighting nursing excellence and boosting morale. “Nurses often work quietly behind the scenes, with their extraordinary contributions going unnoticed by the wider community,” said WCU Director Melissa Hethcox. “Programs like DAISY give patients a voice to recognize those nurses who make a lasting connection in their lives.”
For Laken, who has assisted in hundreds of births during her six years on the Women’s and Children’s Unit, this recognition reaffirms her commitment to compassionate care.
As Laken returns to her duties this week, she does so with the knowledge that her commitment to excellence has made a meaningful difference—one that extends far beyond the walls of the hospital and into the life story of a new family.
The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes. The international program now recognizes extraordinary nurses in over 5,000 healthcare facilities across 32 countries. If you received, exceptional care from an HCH nurse, nominate them for a DAISY award today at daisyfoundation.org.