Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center Expands DAISY Awards to Honor Nursing Excellence, Teamwork, and Leadership
1/14/2026
POPLAR BLUFF, MO, January 14, 2026 — Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center (PBRMC) is expanding its DAISY Award program to include Team DAISY Awards, Nurse Leader DAISY Awards, and Student Nurse DAISY Awards. This represents a continued effort to recognize and celebrate the nurses whose compassion, teamwork and leadership make a lasting impact on patients and families every day.
The DAISY Award is an internationally recognized program honoring extraordinary nursing care. By expanding the program, PBRMC is ensuring recognition extends beyond individual bedside care to include collaborative teams, nurse leaders shaping the future of healthcare, and students entering the profession with compassion and commitment.
“As healthcare grows more complex, our nurses remain the heart of our organization,” said PBRMC’s chief nursing officer, Carla Rider, DNP. “These expanded DAISY Awards allow us to honor not only exceptional care, but also the teamwork, leadership, and dedication that sustain our hospital and our community, as well as the next generation of nurses.”
PBRMC recently presented its first Team DAISY Awards to two outstanding care teams whose compassion and collaboration left an indelible impression on patients and families.
The emergency department night shift was recognized following a heartfelt nomination from the family of Truston Alexander, who was critically injured in a tragic boating accident on July 15, 2025.
In her nomination, Truston’s mother, Leanna Alexander, described the calmness, organization and compassion shown during an overwhelmingly chaotic night. She noted the kindness extended to family and friends, the clarity and empathy provided by physicians and advanced practice providers, and the seamless teamwork she witnessed as nurses and support staff worked tirelessly to save her son’s life.
“Although our hearts are broken by the outcome, the care we experienced from this ER team and hospital will forever be etched in our hearts,” Alexander shared. “I will always remember how hard you were working, the compassion you showed, and the way you treated my son as your priority.”
The nomination highlighted the leadership of the ER team and the support of ancillary departments, emphasizing how nurses across units came together to support the family during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
The ambulatory infusion team was honored following a nomination from a patient who shared her experience after receiving a cancer diagnosis in April 2025.
In her nomination, she described the fear and uncertainty that followed her diagnosis and how the infusion team immediately stepped in with reassurance, compassion, and expert care. She praised the team’s patience, pain management, clear education, and unwavering support, noting that they cared not only for her but also for her husband throughout treatment.
“They didn’t just treat my cancer, they treated us like family,” she wrote. “Their teamwork was unparalleled, their compassion extraordinary, and their care made it possible to receive treatment close to home rather than traveling hours away.”
The family expressed deep gratitude for the quality of care provided locally, calling the team “one of our biggest blessings of 2025.”
As part of the program expansion, PBRMC also proudly recognized its first Student Nurse DAISY Award recipient, honoring excellence within the Nurse Extern Program.
Breanna Williams, a nurse extern who began the 1.5-year program in November 2024, was recognized for consistently demonstrating professionalism, compassion and a willingness to step in wherever help is needed. Her nomination described her as a natural caregiver whose actions clearly reflect why she chose nursing as a career.
Currently expected to graduate in May 2026 from the Nurse Extern Program, Breanna has distinguished herself through her strong work ethic, eagerness to learn, and commitment to compassionate patient care. The nomination noted that she sets an exceptionally high standard for her peers and serves as a role model for future nurses within the program.
In addition to recognizing team and student nurses, PBRMC is honoring exceptional leadership through the Nurse Leader DAISY Award. One of the first nominations was submitted for Ashlee Dunn, MSN, RN, Director of Education, recognizing her vision, innovation, and commitment to strengthening nursing practice and education.
The nomination highlighted Dunn’s leadership in expanding the RN extern program, rebuilding the nursing competency framework, enhancing orientation and preceptor programs, and developing skills fairs that promote continuous learning and patient safety. Her work has directly influenced nurse confidence, retention, and the future of nursing in the region.
“Her leadership has transformed our organization in ways that will continue to impact staff, patients, and our community for years to come,” the nomination stated.
Through the expansion of the DAISY Award program, PBRMC is reaffirming its commitment to fostering a culture of appreciation, professional growth, and excellence in patient care.
“These stories reflect what nursing excellence truly looks like: teamwork in crisis, compassion through illness, and leadership that builds the future,” said Rider. “We are honored to recognize nurses who go above and beyond, often without expecting recognition.”
Patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to submit DAISY Award nominations throughout the year. Honorees are selected based on compassionate care, teamwork, leadership, and meaningful impact. For more information or to submit a nomination, visit pbrmc.com/award-nominations.
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