Marti Schriner
December 2025
Marti
Schriner
,
BSN, RN
Freeport Branch
SSM Health Monroe
Freeport
,
IL
United States
Marti’s quick thinking, compassion, and refusal to let administrative limitations interfere with care likely saved another life.
I am honored to nominate Marti Schriner, RN, for the DAISY Award in recognition of her extraordinary clinical judgment, courageous patient advocacy, and unwavering commitment to compassionate care. Marti has demonstrated time and again that she embodies the very best of nursing, and I’d like to share two recent examples that highlight her exceptional contributions:
In the first instance, an elderly patient walked into the clinic, expressing that something was wrong. Her family had dismissed her concerns, believing she was simply complaining or experiencing anxiety. Despite this, Marti listened carefully and took the patient seriously. After triaging her, Marti recognized subtle but concerning clinical cues and strongly encouraged the patient to seek emergency care. The patient, afraid of her family’s reaction, agreed to go to the ER but refused ambulance transport. Marti then contacted the patient’s daughter, who was upset and insisted her mother was just anxious. With professionalism and empathy, Marti calmly explained her clinical findings and the need for immediate medical attention. She navigated this difficult conversation with grace, prioritizing the patient’s well-being while managing family conflict with sensitivity and respect. Thanks to Marti’s swift and decisive action, the patient was admitted and diagnosed with a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Marti’s courage and advocacy saved a life that day.
In another recent situation, a patient arrived at the clinic with her husband, mistakenly believing she was at Urgent Care. She expressed suicidal thoughts and concerns related to dementia. When the Primary Care team learned of the situation, they immediately stepped in. Marti took the initiative to bring the patient into a room and triage her needs. Despite the patient not being an active Monroe Clinic patient, Marti ensured she received the care she came seeking. The patient was actively suicidal and had a plan—this was a critical moment. Marti’s quick thinking, compassion, and refusal to let administrative limitations interfere with care likely saved another life.
These stories are powerful examples of the crucial role nurses play in safeguarding patient outcomes. Marti’s ability to listen, assess, and act—especially in the face of resistance or uncertainty—reflects the highest standards of our profession. Her actions are not only lifesaving but also deeply inspiring to her colleagues. We are incredibly grateful for Marti’s presence and expertise at the Freeport clinic. She is a true DAISY nurse.
In the first instance, an elderly patient walked into the clinic, expressing that something was wrong. Her family had dismissed her concerns, believing she was simply complaining or experiencing anxiety. Despite this, Marti listened carefully and took the patient seriously. After triaging her, Marti recognized subtle but concerning clinical cues and strongly encouraged the patient to seek emergency care. The patient, afraid of her family’s reaction, agreed to go to the ER but refused ambulance transport. Marti then contacted the patient’s daughter, who was upset and insisted her mother was just anxious. With professionalism and empathy, Marti calmly explained her clinical findings and the need for immediate medical attention. She navigated this difficult conversation with grace, prioritizing the patient’s well-being while managing family conflict with sensitivity and respect. Thanks to Marti’s swift and decisive action, the patient was admitted and diagnosed with a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Marti’s courage and advocacy saved a life that day.
In another recent situation, a patient arrived at the clinic with her husband, mistakenly believing she was at Urgent Care. She expressed suicidal thoughts and concerns related to dementia. When the Primary Care team learned of the situation, they immediately stepped in. Marti took the initiative to bring the patient into a room and triage her needs. Despite the patient not being an active Monroe Clinic patient, Marti ensured she received the care she came seeking. The patient was actively suicidal and had a plan—this was a critical moment. Marti’s quick thinking, compassion, and refusal to let administrative limitations interfere with care likely saved another life.
These stories are powerful examples of the crucial role nurses play in safeguarding patient outcomes. Marti’s ability to listen, assess, and act—especially in the face of resistance or uncertainty—reflects the highest standards of our profession. Her actions are not only lifesaving but also deeply inspiring to her colleagues. We are incredibly grateful for Marti’s presence and expertise at the Freeport clinic. She is a true DAISY nurse.