October 2026 Honoree
Kalina Druschel, RN, BSN
As a patient at Flagstaff Medical Center since 2007, I have a solid basis for comparing the quality of nursing care I have received over the years. My recent hospitalization was without question the best hospital experience I have ever had. After being admitted to the emergency department, I was assigned to a room on Humphreys. A kind, caring night nurse and medical assistant welcomed me and helped make my admission comfortable. The following morning, however, I was assigned to Kalina Druschel, and she proved to be the most caring, compassionate, knowledgeable, efficient, and organized nurse I have ever had.
From the moment she introduced herself, Kalina demonstrated a complete understanding of my medical condition. She carefully explained every procedure before performing it, thoroughly reviewed my medical record, laboratory results, and imaging studies, and took the time to answer every question I had. She never made me feel rushed. Instead, she treated me with the same kindness, patience, and respect that one would expect from a member of their own family. Kalina consistently kept me informed about upcoming tests and procedures, returned promptly with results, and followed up with other members of my healthcare team to keep everything moving forward on schedule. Her attention to detail and commitment to communication gave me tremendous confidence that I was receiving the very best care possible.
What impressed me most was her calm, reassuring presence. Her demeanor brought peace during a stressful hospitalization. She has a remarkable ability to ease a patient’s anxiety simply by the way she listens, explains, and genuinely cares. I’d also like to recognize the entire day shift. The staff's teamwork, professionalism, efficiency, and collaboration were exceptional. It was evident that everyone worked together toward one common goal: providing outstanding patient care.
Without reservation, I enthusiastically nominate Kalina for the Daisy award. She exemplifies everything this award represents - extraordinary clinical skill, compassion, professionalism, and genuine kindness. She made a lasting impression on me, and I will always be grateful for the exceptional care she provided.
From the moment she introduced herself, Kalina demonstrated a complete understanding of my medical condition. She carefully explained every procedure before performing it, thoroughly reviewed my medical record, laboratory results, and imaging studies, and took the time to answer every question I had. She never made me feel rushed. Instead, she treated me with the same kindness, patience, and respect that one would expect from a member of their own family. Kalina consistently kept me informed about upcoming tests and procedures, returned promptly with results, and followed up with other members of my healthcare team to keep everything moving forward on schedule. Her attention to detail and commitment to communication gave me tremendous confidence that I was receiving the very best care possible.
What impressed me most was her calm, reassuring presence. Her demeanor brought peace during a stressful hospitalization. She has a remarkable ability to ease a patient’s anxiety simply by the way she listens, explains, and genuinely cares. I’d also like to recognize the entire day shift. The staff's teamwork, professionalism, efficiency, and collaboration were exceptional. It was evident that everyone worked together toward one common goal: providing outstanding patient care.
Without reservation, I enthusiastically nominate Kalina for the Daisy award. She exemplifies everything this award represents - extraordinary clinical skill, compassion, professionalism, and genuine kindness. She made a lasting impression on me, and I will always be grateful for the exceptional care she provided.
Thank you, Kalina, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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