Todd Cary
March 2026
Todd
Cary
,
RN
Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital
Greenville
,
KY
United States
Todd willingly put his personal plans aside on Christmas Eve to ensure a patient received the care they needed — safely, compassionately, and without burden.
I am honored to recognize this exceptional infusion center nurse for his unwavering compassion, selflessness, and commitment to patient-centered care.
Todd is known throughout the infusion center for his infectious sense of humor, charismatic presence, and constant willingness to help others. He brings positivity into every space he enters, lifting both patients and coworkers with his genuine kindness. However, it was his actions on Christmas Eve that truly exemplified the spirit of nursing and what the DAISY Award represents.
On Christmas Eve, the infusion center was scheduled to close at noon. A patient on the medical floor required a critical infusion before discharge. This patient had already missed an infusion the prior week and was COVID-positive, making it especially important to avoid another delay and to minimize exposure to others.
The team decided to bring the patient to the infusion center that day so they could receive treatment safely and avoid a later return.
Despite the center closing early for the holiday, Todd immediately volunteered to stay late to ensure the patient received the infusion. Unfortunately, unexpected discharge delays occurred, extending the wait by more than two hours beyond what was planned.
During this time, Todd remained patient, calm, and supportive — never once expressing frustration, even though it meant postponing his own Christmas plans. When I called to inform him that the patient was on the way two hours past the originally scheduled time, he responded without hesitation or complaint.
When we apologized for the significant delay, his response was profoundly moving. He stated: “I am here to serve, not to be served.”
Those words captured the heart of nursing. Todd willingly put his personal plans aside on Christmas Eve to ensure a patient received the care they needed — safely, compassionately, and without burden. His actions reduced stress for the patient, prevented unnecessary exposure to others, and demonstrated extraordinary empathy and professionalism.
Todd embodies everything we hope for in a DAISY Award recipient at Owensboro Health: dedication, humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to putting patients first. His positive attitude and servant-hearted approach leave a lasting impact on everyone he encounters.
This is just one example of the selfless tasks he performs almost daily. I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.
Todd is known throughout the infusion center for his infectious sense of humor, charismatic presence, and constant willingness to help others. He brings positivity into every space he enters, lifting both patients and coworkers with his genuine kindness. However, it was his actions on Christmas Eve that truly exemplified the spirit of nursing and what the DAISY Award represents.
On Christmas Eve, the infusion center was scheduled to close at noon. A patient on the medical floor required a critical infusion before discharge. This patient had already missed an infusion the prior week and was COVID-positive, making it especially important to avoid another delay and to minimize exposure to others.
The team decided to bring the patient to the infusion center that day so they could receive treatment safely and avoid a later return.
Despite the center closing early for the holiday, Todd immediately volunteered to stay late to ensure the patient received the infusion. Unfortunately, unexpected discharge delays occurred, extending the wait by more than two hours beyond what was planned.
During this time, Todd remained patient, calm, and supportive — never once expressing frustration, even though it meant postponing his own Christmas plans. When I called to inform him that the patient was on the way two hours past the originally scheduled time, he responded without hesitation or complaint.
When we apologized for the significant delay, his response was profoundly moving. He stated: “I am here to serve, not to be served.”
Those words captured the heart of nursing. Todd willingly put his personal plans aside on Christmas Eve to ensure a patient received the care they needed — safely, compassionately, and without burden. His actions reduced stress for the patient, prevented unnecessary exposure to others, and demonstrated extraordinary empathy and professionalism.
Todd embodies everything we hope for in a DAISY Award recipient at Owensboro Health: dedication, humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to putting patients first. His positive attitude and servant-hearted approach leave a lasting impact on everyone he encounters.
This is just one example of the selfless tasks he performs almost daily. I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.