April 2026 Honoree
Amy Merritt, RN
Amy has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and compassion in establishing and bringing to life our inpatient group therapy program.
When our new multi-use group space was created, Amy immediately recognized the opportunity it presented for our patients. She took the initiative to engage the interdisciplinary team, facilitate planning discussions, and help develop a vision for how group therapy could successfully meet the unique needs of our inpatient population.
Through her dedication and persistence, Amy helped lead the implementation of our unit's first group therapy sessions. These sessions have created meaningful opportunities for patients to leave their rooms, connect with others, and engage in a therapeutic environment designed to foster healing, community, and hope. Thanks to Amy's leadership, what was once simply an empty room has become a vibrant and valuable part of the patient care experience.
Amy's commitment to patient-centered care was especially evident during a recent interaction with one of our patients. While inviting patients to participate in group therapy, she spoke with a patient who shared that he was struggling with being confined to the hospital and longed to spend time outdoors, particularly with the arrival of spring and the beautiful weather. Recognizing how important this was to him, Amy helped facilitate time outside in the horseshoe area.
Later that day, when the care team rounded, they found the patient outdoors rather than in his hospital room. What could have been viewed as an inconvenience instead became a remarkable opportunity. Sitting together in the fresh air and sunshine, the team was able to discuss his treatment options, prognosis, and answer the questions he had been carrying. In an environment that felt less clinical and more personal, the patient was able to openly reflect on what mattered most to him.
Ultimately, he chose to prioritize quality of life and transition to hospice care.
Receiving life-altering news can be overwhelming under any circumstances. Because Amy took the time to listen and understand what was meaningful to this patient, the conversation took place in a setting where he felt comfortable, peaceful, and connected to something he loved. Instead of fluorescent lights and hospital walls, he felt the warmth of the sun, breathed fresh air, and spent a pivotal moment of his life in a place that brought him comfort.
Amy's actions exemplify the very best of nursing. Through leadership, creativity, and genuine compassion, she not only helped launch a transformative therapeutic program for our unit, but also demonstrated the impact of meeting patients where they are, both physically and emotionally. Her commitment to dignity, humanity, and individualized care has made a lasting difference in the lives of her patients, families, and colleagues, making her an exceptionally deserving recipient of the DAISY Award.
When our new multi-use group space was created, Amy immediately recognized the opportunity it presented for our patients. She took the initiative to engage the interdisciplinary team, facilitate planning discussions, and help develop a vision for how group therapy could successfully meet the unique needs of our inpatient population.
Through her dedication and persistence, Amy helped lead the implementation of our unit's first group therapy sessions. These sessions have created meaningful opportunities for patients to leave their rooms, connect with others, and engage in a therapeutic environment designed to foster healing, community, and hope. Thanks to Amy's leadership, what was once simply an empty room has become a vibrant and valuable part of the patient care experience.
Amy's commitment to patient-centered care was especially evident during a recent interaction with one of our patients. While inviting patients to participate in group therapy, she spoke with a patient who shared that he was struggling with being confined to the hospital and longed to spend time outdoors, particularly with the arrival of spring and the beautiful weather. Recognizing how important this was to him, Amy helped facilitate time outside in the horseshoe area.
Later that day, when the care team rounded, they found the patient outdoors rather than in his hospital room. What could have been viewed as an inconvenience instead became a remarkable opportunity. Sitting together in the fresh air and sunshine, the team was able to discuss his treatment options, prognosis, and answer the questions he had been carrying. In an environment that felt less clinical and more personal, the patient was able to openly reflect on what mattered most to him.
Ultimately, he chose to prioritize quality of life and transition to hospice care.
Receiving life-altering news can be overwhelming under any circumstances. Because Amy took the time to listen and understand what was meaningful to this patient, the conversation took place in a setting where he felt comfortable, peaceful, and connected to something he loved. Instead of fluorescent lights and hospital walls, he felt the warmth of the sun, breathed fresh air, and spent a pivotal moment of his life in a place that brought him comfort.
Amy's actions exemplify the very best of nursing. Through leadership, creativity, and genuine compassion, she not only helped launch a transformative therapeutic program for our unit, but also demonstrated the impact of meeting patients where they are, both physically and emotionally. Her commitment to dignity, humanity, and individualized care has made a lasting difference in the lives of her patients, families, and colleagues, making her an exceptionally deserving recipient of the DAISY Award.
Thank you, Amy, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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