September 2026 Honoree
Brianna Healey, RN
Bri Healey exemplifies everything the DAISY Award represents. She consistently demonstrates extraordinary compassion, empathy, and dedication to her patients, and one recent experience perfectly illustrates the impact she has on those in her care.
Bri was caring for a swing bed patient who had been working diligently toward her rehabilitation goals with the hope of returning home independently. The patient had been especially excited because she had planned a day pass off campus to celebrate her wedding anniversary with her husband. Unfortunately, her condition changed unexpectedly, and she required a return trip to the operating room.
Following surgery, she was placed on bed rest and informed that she would not be able to leave the hospital for her anniversary as planned. Naturally, the patient was disappointed and emotional. Understanding how significant this loss was, Bri took the time to sit with her at the bedside, listen to her concerns, and provide support. During their conversation, Bri asked if there was anything she could do to make the day a little better. Half-jokingly, the patient replied, "Margaritas with my husband would make it better."
Rather than dismissing the comment as an impossible wish, Bri immediately began thinking of ways to make it happen. She coordinated with her fellow nurses to ensure her patients would be covered during her personal lunch break. She then reached out to a friend who works as a bartender in Aspen and drove into town to pick up virgin margaritas from White House Tavern. She used her own time and personal effort with the sole purpose of bringing comfort and joy to a patient who desperately needed it.
When Bri returned with the drinks, the patient was overwhelmed with gratitude. What could have been a heartbreaking anniversary spent in a hospital room instead became a special memory she was able to share with her husband. Bri transformed a difficult situation into a moment of celebration, dignity, and human connection. This act was not part of Bri's job description. It was a reflection of who she is as a nurse. She consistently goes above and beyond to create meaningful experiences for patients and families, treating each person with kindness, respect, and genuine compassion. Her willingness to invest her own time and energy to brighten someone's day demonstrates the very essence of patient-centered care.
Bri was caring for a swing bed patient who had been working diligently toward her rehabilitation goals with the hope of returning home independently. The patient had been especially excited because she had planned a day pass off campus to celebrate her wedding anniversary with her husband. Unfortunately, her condition changed unexpectedly, and she required a return trip to the operating room.
Following surgery, she was placed on bed rest and informed that she would not be able to leave the hospital for her anniversary as planned. Naturally, the patient was disappointed and emotional. Understanding how significant this loss was, Bri took the time to sit with her at the bedside, listen to her concerns, and provide support. During their conversation, Bri asked if there was anything she could do to make the day a little better. Half-jokingly, the patient replied, "Margaritas with my husband would make it better."
Rather than dismissing the comment as an impossible wish, Bri immediately began thinking of ways to make it happen. She coordinated with her fellow nurses to ensure her patients would be covered during her personal lunch break. She then reached out to a friend who works as a bartender in Aspen and drove into town to pick up virgin margaritas from White House Tavern. She used her own time and personal effort with the sole purpose of bringing comfort and joy to a patient who desperately needed it.
When Bri returned with the drinks, the patient was overwhelmed with gratitude. What could have been a heartbreaking anniversary spent in a hospital room instead became a special memory she was able to share with her husband. Bri transformed a difficult situation into a moment of celebration, dignity, and human connection. This act was not part of Bri's job description. It was a reflection of who she is as a nurse. She consistently goes above and beyond to create meaningful experiences for patients and families, treating each person with kindness, respect, and genuine compassion. Her willingness to invest her own time and energy to brighten someone's day demonstrates the very essence of patient-centered care.
Thank you, Brianna, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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