Kallenbach earns DAISY Award at Aspirus Medford

Aspirus Medford Volunteers honored Wanda Kallenbach, RN in the Birthing Center 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 Medford 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.

Kallenbach was nominated for the DAISY Award by an OB patient. The nomination reads: I had labor induced. Initially I wasn’t progressing quickly, but that changed very rapidly in a matter of minutes. Since it was early in the morning, the doctor was not in. She was called, but baby was ready to come. Wanda was amazing. She was calm and talked me through what I needed to do. I have no idea how many times Wanda has had to deliver a baby, but from my perspective everything was flawless, all thanks to her! Wanda took what could have been a scary situation and turned it into a wonderful, compassionate, and very special birth story. Wanda will always hold a special place in our family’s hearts for her role in bring our 4th baby into this world. Clearly, she has a passion for what she does, and the entire Medford community is lucky to have her.

Kallenbach and 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, Kallenbach received a daisy honoree pin, certificate and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa. A celebratory banner will hang in her work area for a month, generating positive conversation about the special role nurses play in patient care.

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. Today, more than 3,200 healthcare facilities in every state and 22 countries honor nurses with the DAISY award. Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, visitors and colleagues and they are chosen by a committee of Medford volunteers to receive the DAISY Award.

To place a nomination, visit www.aspirus.org/daisyaward or request a brochure by contacting Patti Prusinski, Aspirus Medford Hospital Volunteer Coordinator at 715-748-8789.