I am honored to nominate the Dialysis Unit team for the Team DAISY Award in recognition of their extraordinary teamwork, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our Veteran and CMS dialysis patients.

As the covering manager without dialysis experience, I found myself navigating an unexpected and critical situation when we were forced to shut down the dialysis unit due to unsafe water conditions. I was uncertain of the immediate next steps, but the team demonstrated excellence by quickly guiding the response. They knew the urgency of the situation and ensured that the appropriate actions were taken without delay.

It was the nurses who had me contact the Midwest Kidney Network for next steps while they reached out to our nephrologist to inform him of the situation.

Without hesitation, the team fully embodied commitment to advocacy for our patients. While leadership coordination was underway with our ELT, the nurses immediately began contacting dialysis centers across the community to secure treatment placements. Within just four hours of the unit closure, they successfully arranged dialysis care for all 17 of our patients. This truly feels like a miracle looking back now, knowing what I do about dialysis chairs and availability in our rural area.

Their dedication did not stop there.

The very next day, all four nurses reported to work to ensure continuity of care. This included Sarah coming in on her day off to make sure all hands were on deck.

During a collaborative meeting with the receiving facility, the team anticipated patient needs and worked seamlessly to support a safe transition. Neil ensured all necessary Care in the Community Consults were placed for the Veterans, while Sarah, Paula, and Heather gathered and coordinated patient records and essential supplies.

When the receiving unit requested nurse escorts to support patient transitions, every team member agreed without hesitation, despite this requiring travel to Rapid City and third shift evening work.

When transportation barriers arose due to the sudden closure happening on a holiday weekend, the team once again demonstrated profound commitment by volunteering to take the required training that day and then transport Veterans in need in GOV vehicles (this was done with nursing leadership oversight and transport approval).

They sustained this level of dedication for over a month traveling to Rapid City and escorting all of our dialysis patients making sure they had as best a transition as possible during such a difficult situation.

Throughout this incredibly challenging time, this team consistently lived the VA ICARE values. They treated each Veteran and CMS patient with dignity and compassion, worked collaboratively with respect for one another, and upheld the highest standards of care.

Their actions and advocacy is what ensured that all 17 patients continued to receive safe, high-quality, and patient-centered dialysis care. While the unit closure has been difficult for our patients, this team did everything in their power to ease that burden.

Their resilience, teamwork, and unwavering focus on doing what is right for our patients exemplify the very essence of the DAISY Award.