B battled renal cell carcinoma for nearly 3 years before being hospitalized with a brain hemorrhage. B was moved to hospice where he was surrounded by family and friends until his death. Throughout our long stay at Baptist Health, we were surrounded by many caring professionals. While there are many we will always be thankful for, Donna Harrisberger stood out among these professionals.

The DAISY Award is designed to recognize nurses for exemplary care, compassion, and skill. Donna embodies all three of these traits. Exemplary Care Donna’s professionalism in her job put us all at ease when she was on duty. She handled every detail with precision so that we could focus on being with B. So many times, she took care of a need before we could even ask. She gave B her full focus and attention and was always available to answer our questions. It seemed as if B was her only patient.

Compassionate! Every day she came to work with a servant’s heart and attitude. Donna carried on her difficult duties with care and empathy. From her gentle voice to her kind words and loving actions, she brought comfort and peace and was often referred to as an angel by our family. We were amazed at the balance she brought to caring for an individual during their last days while also bringing comfort to the family and friends surrounding him. She never missed an opportunity to speak a word of encouragement. Even in the most difficult of moments, she had the right words to say. And when the words were hard to hear, Donna spoke in such loving and gentle tones, that the hard things could be absorbed. And above and beyond her job, she also took care of the family in the room with B, often speaking to each of us individually and always giving B’s wife an update and then asking if she needed anything.

Skill- Donna’s training started when she was just a teenager and has taken different routes from being a midwife to now working in hospice. She told us that there are so many similarities between midwifery and hospice – birthing a new life on earth or birthing a new life into heaven. As she entered the room, she was quiet and peaceful. She took the time to watch B’s breathing and check the quality of his urine. She was diligent and thoughtful in giving him his medication and in making adjustments to the position of his body to help him remain as comfortable as possible. The peaceful demeanor and skill with which she executed her duties provided us comfort throughout the long days. Baptist Health states that it is more than a business. “At Baptist Health, care of the whole person- body, mind, and spirit – is an expression of Christian faith. We are instruments of God’s restorative power and are responsible for giving compassionate care.” Our family feels that Donna Harrisberger embodies that belief and fulfills her job in a way that is the hands and feet of Jesus.