Barnard 5 at Morton Plant Hospital
July 2025
Barnard 5
at Morton Plant Hospital
Neuro
Morton Plant Hospital
Clearwater
,
FL
United States
Ahyee-Genu, Dede – Clinical Nurse II

Bintz, Emma R. – Nurse Intern I

Cantero-Flores, Vanessa – Patient Care Technician

Cardona, Fernando – Clinical Nurse III

Demiri, Suzana – Clinical Nurse III

Diruzza, Lorraine A. – Clinical Nurse II

Eck, Joy J. – Clinical Nurse II

Elmazaj, Jovilian – Patient Care Technician

Ford, Jacquelyn – Clinical Nurse II

Forlini, Elena P. – Clinical Nurse II

Glowaty, Nicole – Clinical Nurse

Grant, Veronica M. – Clinical Nurse II

Green, Priscilla D. – Nurse Intern I

Green, Siearra N. – Clinical Nurse

Guimaraes Alcedo, Debra N. – Clinical Nurse II

Hellrung, Rebekah R. – Clinical Nurse II

Hernandez, Ruby – Assistant Nurse Manager

Huffman, Ashley N. – Clinical Nurse II

Jennings, Meghan L. – Clinical Nurse II

Johnson, Kayla M. – Clinical Nurse

Jones, Julie – Clinical Nurse II

Kennedy, Jennifer E. – Patient Support Technician

Ledesma, Christine – Clinical Nurse

Lopez Sanchez, Jennifer – Clinical Nurse II

Mack, Hannah E. – Patient Care Leader

Marquez, Alexander – Clinical Nurse II

Marroquin, Naomie A. – Patient Care Technician

Martin, Mel L. – Clinical Nurse II

Mboya, Sauda H. – Patient Support Technician

Mccaffrey, Chynna M. – Clinical Nurse II

Mccray, Katashi Z. – Patient Care Technician

Miele, Nicole M. – Clinical Nurse II

Nguyen, My-Phuong – Clinical Nurse II

Osborne, Angela S. – Clinical Nurse II

Oyelade, Abidemi E. – Clinical Nurse III

Oyinlola-Ogunleye, Roselyn – Patient Care Technician

Parks, Sara M. – Clinical Nurse II

Parr, Victoria B. – Patient Support Technician

Parrish, Joseph – Clinical Nurse

Pastis, Irene K. – Clinical Nurse II

Patzlaff, Leili – Patient Support Technician

Perez Jr., Manuel A. – Clinical Nurse

Perez, Celia – Patient Support Technician

Perez, Maria Ysabel C. – Nurse Intern I

Pham, Nguyen – Clinical Nurse II

Pizarro-Delgado, Rosaura – Patient Support Technician

Reagan, Rachael – Patient Support Technician

Reina, Maria D. – Patient Care Technician

Ropi, Keidi – Clinical Nurse

Stickler, Sydney A. – Clinical Nurse

Stockton, Leah L. – Clinical Nurse III

Toney, Georgia D. – Clinical Nurse

Woods, Jordan R. – Nurse Intern I

Wright, Michelle – Patient Care Technician

Yeso-Escalante, Jireth – Patient Care Technician

Brianna Zuckerman- Patient Care Technician

Domeniko Lulaj – Clinical Nurse

 

 

 

Barnard 5 is a neuroscience unit that embodies compassion, resilience, and exceptional teamwork. The patient population is among the most complex, often consisting of individuals recovering from strokes, seizures, brain injuries, and neurological decline. Many of these patients are entirely dependent on assistance with basic needs. The Barnard 5 team approaches each case not only with clinical excellence but also with humanity and heart. Their dedication to patient-centered care, even in the most challenging situations, defines their culture and sets them apart.

One recent example involved a middle-aged patient who was admitted following an accident. Although physically stable, he became increasingly anxious about his car, which he had left parked in another city before his medical emergency. The team recognized that this emotional stress was negatively impacting his recovery. After validating his concerns, three Barnard 5 staff members coordinated to personally drive out, locate the car, and bring it back to the hospital after their shift. When the patient was informed of their efforts, he cried, expressing that he had never experienced such care. This thoughtful act restored his trust in the team's care.

In another case, the team cared for a patient who grew increasingly frustrated due to his inability to communicate his needs. Rather than attributing his behaviors to confusion, the staff created laminated visual cue cards, frequently reviewed them with him, and posted them at his bedside to ensure consistency across shifts. Within days, the patient’s demeanor improved. He appeared calmer, more engaged, and visibly relieved to have a way to express himself, even without words. This initiative was entirely team-driven and executed with thoughtfulness and clinical insight.

The emotional care provided during vulnerable moments is another hallmark of Barnard 5. A patient recovering from surgery was tearful and withdrawn, refusing therapies and meals. A nurse observed that the patient frequently stared at old photos of his dog. The team printed an enlarged picture, framed it, and coordinated with the family to record the dog barking and playing. They played this recording softly during care. As a result, the patient began to smile and gradually became more interactive. These small yet powerful gestures reflect a team deeply attuned to the emotional needs that facilitate healing.

Another moving example came from a heartfelt letter written by a patient who arrived at the emergency room in severe distress. The team's swift recognition, combined with their compassion, left a lasting impression. The patient specifically recalled nurses Lorraine and Angela by name, whose warmth and steady reassurance helped calm her overwhelming anxiety. She described being surrounded by kindness on Barnard 5, where her fears were eased through excellent clinical care and a sense of human connection. Thanks to the care she received, she experienced only mild deficits and is now able to return to her life, care for her husband and children, and continue her recovery with strength and hope.

The Barnard 5 team exemplifies the highest ideals of collaborative, interdisciplinary care—seamlessly anticipating patient needs, supporting one another without hesitation, and approaching every interaction as an opportunity to deliver excellence. Their care not only heals but transforms lives. Despite the physically and emotionally demanding nature of their work, they continue to show up for their patients—and for each other—with unmatched commitment. In a field where excellence is the standard, Barnard 5 stands out for its compassion, integrity, and deep sense of purpose. They are a shining example of what the DAISY Team Award represents.

***

We, the Video Monitoring Team, would like to recognize the Barnard 5 team for the DAISY Award due to their exceptional dedication to patient care and safety. This unit consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to the well-being of every patient, whether through attentive bathing, grooming, feeding, or promptly answering call lights.

One striking example of their care involved a nonverbal, catatonic patient who remained on the unit for several months. Patients in such conditions are often unintentionally overlooked, but the Barnard 5 team ensured she received thorough, respectful care every day. They regularly repositioned her, kept her stage IV pressure injuries clean and dressed, and never rushed her during meals or hygiene care. This level of compassion and diligence reflects true BayCare values.

Barnard 5 has rightfully earned the affectionate nickname “the elite med-surg unit” among those who work alongside them. Each team member collaborates to uphold a high standard of care, regardless of the challenges they face. Outstanding team members include:

- **Julie (NM)**: A strong, supportive leader who has cultivated a team known for excellence. She is always available, ensures a clean and welcoming environment, and fosters a culture of accountability and care.

- **Charge Nurses – Fernando, Jackie, Suzana**: These leaders quickly respond to calls and video monitor alerts. They actively support their team and are frequently seen assisting with bedside care.

- **Nurses – Alex, Chynna, Elena**: Compassionate and consistent, they provide top-tier care while treating every patient with dignity and empathy.

- **Patient Care Leaders – Hannah & Leah**: Both are dedicated to ensuring that patients are informed and involved in their care plans, offering frequent communication and reassurance.

- **PCTs/PSTs – Leili, Sauda, Rosaura, Jenn, Tory**: These incredible techs not only fulfill their usual duties but also go above and beyond—often leaving the desk to respond to patient needs and video alerts, even during the busiest shifts.

This team operates with seamless collaboration, mutual respect, and an unwavering focus on delivering the best possible care. Their work is a powerful example of clinical excellence and human compassion, which is why Barnard 5 is more than deserving of the DAISY Team Award.

Additionally, the Visual Monitor Team Techs, Anila and Christina, also contribute significantly, making them deserving of recognition for their support of the Barnard 5 team.