Hannah Steffey
March 2026
Hannah
Steffey
,
RN
Nursing Medical Services
Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital
Knoxville
,
TN
United States
It was obvious that, to her, they were not just another room number; they were two little people who mattered deeply, and I could tell it truly mattered to her that they got better and healthy.
Hannah Steffey showed the kind of compassion and dedication that truly changes a family’s experience during a frightening time. Two of my children were hospitalized at the same time, which, as a mother, was incredibly overwhelming. Watching your babies be sick and not knowing what comes next is a kind of helplessness that’s hard to describe.
From the moment Hannah stepped into our room, she didn’t just treat my children as patients; she treated them as if they were her own family. She paid attention to every small detail of their care and made sure they were as comfortable as possible, but what stood out even more was the way she cared for our hearts as parents. She took time to explain things, reassure us when we were worried, and celebrate the small victories with us. When things felt heavy and uncertain, she brought a calm presence into the room that made us feel like we weren’t facing it alone.
She went above and beyond to make sure both of my children were cared for and comforted, even in the middle of what was clearly a busy hospital environment. She made my daughter feel safe and special, so much so that when she would walk in the room, my daughter would smile ear to ear and greet her “buddy.” She treated my son, who was much sicker at moments and needed a little more attention, with such gentleness and attentiveness when he needed it most, never missing the little things and going above and beyond what her job title requires to make sure he was the most cared-for a person could be.
It was obvious that, to her, they were not just another room number; they were two little people who mattered deeply, and I could tell it truly mattered to her that they got better and healthy. What meant the most to me as their mom was knowing that when she was caring for them, they were truly being seen. Her kindness, patience, and dedication made one of the hardest moments our family has faced feel just a little bit lighter.
Nurses like Hannah are the reason families make it through difficult hospital stays with hope. Her compassion and commitment to her patients represent everything the DAISY Award stands for, and our family will always be grateful for the way she cared for our babies. She totally deserves recognition for the amazing work she’s doing. You all have a better hospital for her being on your team.
From the moment Hannah stepped into our room, she didn’t just treat my children as patients; she treated them as if they were her own family. She paid attention to every small detail of their care and made sure they were as comfortable as possible, but what stood out even more was the way she cared for our hearts as parents. She took time to explain things, reassure us when we were worried, and celebrate the small victories with us. When things felt heavy and uncertain, she brought a calm presence into the room that made us feel like we weren’t facing it alone.
She went above and beyond to make sure both of my children were cared for and comforted, even in the middle of what was clearly a busy hospital environment. She made my daughter feel safe and special, so much so that when she would walk in the room, my daughter would smile ear to ear and greet her “buddy.” She treated my son, who was much sicker at moments and needed a little more attention, with such gentleness and attentiveness when he needed it most, never missing the little things and going above and beyond what her job title requires to make sure he was the most cared-for a person could be.
It was obvious that, to her, they were not just another room number; they were two little people who mattered deeply, and I could tell it truly mattered to her that they got better and healthy. What meant the most to me as their mom was knowing that when she was caring for them, they were truly being seen. Her kindness, patience, and dedication made one of the hardest moments our family has faced feel just a little bit lighter.
Nurses like Hannah are the reason families make it through difficult hospital stays with hope. Her compassion and commitment to her patients represent everything the DAISY Award stands for, and our family will always be grateful for the way she cared for our babies. She totally deserves recognition for the amazing work she’s doing. You all have a better hospital for her being on your team.