Throughout her years at Cass Health, Emmy has consistently demonstrated outstanding clinical skills, compassionate patient care, and a dedication to the profession of nursing. She goes above and beyond to ensure that each patient receives not only the best medical care but also holistic support during some of their most vulnerable moments.
Emmy is a strong advocate for her patients. She knows each patient’s story and is intentional in helping them get the most out of each visit with their provider. She utilizes her resources for the betterment of her patients. One example of this is looking ahead and realizing a new oncology patient that’s coming in will need a port, so she calls the OR and Radiology to figure out the most efficient way for the patient to have a port placed before they will need to start chemo. Knowing all available options at the time of visit ensures the patient will leave the appointment knowing and trusting the next few steps in their care.

One of the most memorable situations that showcases Emmy’s exceptional care occurred when she went above and beyond for a patient with a confusing diagnosis, one that even the provider had a hard time understanding and diagnosing. By the end of the appointment, the elderly patient and his wife were confused, nervous, and without a plan of care. Once the provider left the room, Emmy calmly offered the best explanation that she could to the patient and his wife. She knew the information, the patient’s difficulty hearing, and the language barrier with the provider made this a bit more trying for the patient and his wife to understand. As soon as the patient left the Specialty Clinic, Emmy sat down with the provider and helped him sift through the patient’s confusing lab results. She made calls to Mayo Clinic Laboratory, asking several questions to help the provider better understand the results. From that call and the info received, the provider did gain insight using a different interpretation of the results. He quickly asked Emmy to call the patient with new orders and instructions. Emmy called the patient, who had just left the Lab and got into their car in the parking lot. Emmy graciously told them to stay put, knowing that walking was difficult for him and his wife. She met them in their car and explained the provider’s new recommendations for the plan of care. She answered all the questions the patient and his wife had. Emmy’s compassion and determination allowed them to leave the hospital feeling calm and optimistic, as they now had a diagnosis and treatment plan.

I know how important and meaningful that was to the patient, because he is my Grandpa. This level of compassion and professionalism is what makes Emmy an exemplary nurse.
In addition to her clinical skills, Emmy is a team player who inspires those around her. She continually supports her colleagues, whether through mentorship, assisting with challenging cases, or offering a listening ear when needed. Her ability to remain calm and composed under pressure is a true asset, and her infectious positivity uplifts everyone she works with.
Emmy embodies the core values of nursing: care, compassion, and commitment to the well-being of her patients. It is for these reasons and many others that I strongly believe she deserves the DAISY Nursing Award.