I would like to nominate Chris Garner for the DAISY Award. He was my respiratory therapist while I was hospitalized for pneumonia at Dardanelle Regional. Chris demonstrated absolute excellence as my respiratory therapist. I was in the hospital for a week, diagnosed with severe pneumonia. Chris provided excellent care. He represented himself, his department, and the hospital with quality care and accountability. Every encounter with Chris was met with expert advice, encouraging words, and genuine compassion and respect. He would check on me even when I knew he didn't have to. He kept an eye on my telemetry output in the ER. He worked diligently to help me with the smallest of goals with my breathing treatments. I had to use supplemental oxygen while in the hospital. Chris worked with me every day to help me decrease the amount of oxygen I needed, and by the time I left the hospital, I was oxygen-free. Without Chris, I am certain I wouldn't have recovered as quickly, or perhaps not at all. Chris provides an excellent environment of care. He is obviously an expert at what he does, as the care he provided was very skilled and efficient. He seemed to work very well with his other teammates. Chris also participated in my aftercare after I was discharged from the hospital. I participated in Pulmonary Therapy, and Chris attended several sessions to check on me and offer encouragement. He also came to my graduation from the program. Chris treated me with genuine compassion. I felt very respected and cared for while in the hospital, largely due to Chris. There is no doubt in my mind that Chris is wonderful with all his patients. Compassion and respect came naturally to Chris, and this is evident in his effortless care for his patients.

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Every single day, Chris goes so far above and beyond his job here at DRMC. He's helped RNs by starting IVs and catheters. He is always the one that Radiology reaches out to when they need lift help. The lab has repeatedly requested blood draws from difficult patients. Heck, I've seen Chris pass trays when it gets busy. With a degree in Nursing and years of experience in Respiratory Care, I've personally seen him in conversation with resident doctors, to the point that they have sought him out with questions from both departments. Patients ask about him by name on his days off. He may not be the face of DRMC, but he is the heart of the place. If you've worked here for more than five minutes, you know Chris Garner and you know that he is always willing to lend a hand. He defines above and Beyond. There may be people just as deserving of the DAISY Award, but I promise you there aren't any that are more deserving.

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Chris always takes the time to go above and beyond his job duties by helping patients with tasks such as using the bathroom, eating, brushing their teeth, and combing their hair. He is a true team player. Chris demonstrates integrity by always doing the right thing when caring for our patients. He displays compassion because he truly cares about our patients and their families. He demonstrates accountability by consistently fulfilling his job duties and exceeding expectations. He is always respectful to patients and coworkers. He demonstrates excellence by being exceptionally great at his job. Chris often works extra shifts and helps his teammates in any way possible. He is very professional and truly cares about his patients ' well-being and needs. He is always willing to go the extra mile to help patients and coworkers with a smile on his face.