Centralia, Illinois – Kendra Eaker, RN, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Centralia, was recently honored with the DAISY Award for extraordinary nursing.
A patient requiring a cardiac catheter for persisting cardiac issues and discomfort shared instances during her visit that exemplified Eaker’s passion for nursing and eagerness to go above and beyond for patients:
“Kendra never left my side the whole time. She made me know she truly cared about my well-being. When I was finally cathed and sent to the Intensive Care Unit to wait for transfer, she personally brought my belongings to me. She also spoke with my son. Kendra is very knowledgeable and very good at her job. She is compassionate and a true advocate for her patients,” said the patient.
According to Kendra, who has been with SSM Health for a total of nine years, delivering high-quality patient care and making a meaningful difference when it matters most are at the heart of the passion and purpose she finds at SSM Health.
“To have passion is to have heart, and I chose nursing so I was able to help people and be there at what could be the worst time of their lives. Sometimes all it takes is to be a listening ear and other times it is recognizing signs before they cause harm. I am blessed to be able to help others and fulfill my true purpose in life, all while working for SSM Health in Southern Illinois,” Kendra said.
The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33; the care Patrick 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. DAISY stands for diseases attacking the immune system.
Learn more about the DAISY Award at www.daisyfoundation.org/
About SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Centralia
SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Centralia, operating in partnership with the Felician Sisters, is a 113-bed hospital specializing in behavioral health, bariatric surgery, wound/hyperbaric care, cancer treatments, and minimally invasive general surgical care along with pediatric emergency and NICU telemedicine program in conjunction with the physicians at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital of St. Louis, Missouri.
In 2016, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital was named a “Best Hospital” by US News and World Report for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award for seven years in a row; the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award five years in a row; and in recent years the Critical Care Excellence Award. It also was recognized in 2016 through Quest by Premier Inc. with the Citation of Merit Award for High-Value Healthcare.
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