October 2026 Honoree
Dennis Morrison, RN
I was seen at Woodwinds Emergency Room. I was diagnosed with Sepsis in my left ankle. Emergency surgery was performed. I was then admitted to the hospital on 2 North. Little did I know I would remain there for four days. This was all a shock to me, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Not only was I not prepared with the physical things I needed during my stay, but I also had loose ends that needed to be taken care of.
My elderly dog was home alone. Furthermore, he is on multiple medications and, since I live alone, there was no one to give him his medications. It seemed my world was unraveling before my eyes in my absence, and I could not do anything about it from my hospital bed. I was frustrated, depressed, and my anxiety was crippling me. In walked my assigned nurse for the day. His name was Dennis Morrison. He appeared as ordinary as anyone else. I was wrong. He was anything but ordinary.
As minutes turned into hours, my fear and anxiety increased. Dennis, from the moment he walked into my room, was very tuned into not only my physical health but also my mental and emotional health. Dennis took the time to sit with me often and reason with me regarding my emotions. From calming breathing techniques to helpful movie recommendations depicting regulation of emotions, he had my best interest at heart.
One day, he came into my room, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a bag of dog treats for my dog. He said it was a gift from his two dogs! I was very touched by this gesture. He was my nurse for three of the days I was in the hospital. I actually requested him to be my nurse. During that time, Dennis made a difference in my stay. He gave me a sense of calm when I had anxiety. He gave me support when I needed it so I didn't feel so alone. I was finally discharged. Since my car was in the ER parking lot, Dennis walked me to my car, gave me a hug, and wished me well. It just doesn't get any better than that! In conclusion, I feel Dennis exceeds the compassionate care and clinical excellence outlined in the DAISY Award criteria. You have a gem in Dennis!
My elderly dog was home alone. Furthermore, he is on multiple medications and, since I live alone, there was no one to give him his medications. It seemed my world was unraveling before my eyes in my absence, and I could not do anything about it from my hospital bed. I was frustrated, depressed, and my anxiety was crippling me. In walked my assigned nurse for the day. His name was Dennis Morrison. He appeared as ordinary as anyone else. I was wrong. He was anything but ordinary.
As minutes turned into hours, my fear and anxiety increased. Dennis, from the moment he walked into my room, was very tuned into not only my physical health but also my mental and emotional health. Dennis took the time to sit with me often and reason with me regarding my emotions. From calming breathing techniques to helpful movie recommendations depicting regulation of emotions, he had my best interest at heart.
One day, he came into my room, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a bag of dog treats for my dog. He said it was a gift from his two dogs! I was very touched by this gesture. He was my nurse for three of the days I was in the hospital. I actually requested him to be my nurse. During that time, Dennis made a difference in my stay. He gave me a sense of calm when I had anxiety. He gave me support when I needed it so I didn't feel so alone. I was finally discharged. Since my car was in the ER parking lot, Dennis walked me to my car, gave me a hug, and wished me well. It just doesn't get any better than that! In conclusion, I feel Dennis exceeds the compassionate care and clinical excellence outlined in the DAISY Award criteria. You have a gem in Dennis!
Thank you, Dennis, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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