WEST PLAINS, MO – Ozarks Healthcare is pleased to announce Debbie Walker, registered nurse (RN), as the latest recipient of the prestigious DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award, recognizing her extraordinary compassion and commitment to patient care. The DAISY Award honors nurses who go above and beyond in delivering clinical skill and compassion to their patients.
Walker’s impact reaches far beyond her medical expertise – it’s the heartfelt comfort and support she offers during her patients’ most challenging moments. One recent patient shared their story of arriving at Ozarks Healthcare feeling scared and unable to breathe. During a panic attack, Walker sat by the patient’s side, offering calm words and reassurance, providing comfort when they needed it most.
“She made me feel like family,” the patient said. “Even now, out of the hospital, I think of her kindness. Debbie was my angel when I needed one most, and I’ll never forget her.”
Walker’s dedication exemplifies the highest standard of nursing, and Ozarks Healthcare is honored to have her as part of our team.
The DAISY Foundation, based in Glen Ellen, California, was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away at the age of 33 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). Inspired by the extraordinary care Patrick received from nurses during his illness, the foundation seeks to honor nurses who make a profound difference in the lives of their patients and their families.
Members of the public, including patients, visitors, nurses, physicians, and Ozarks Healthcare staff may nominate a deserving nurse for his or her compassionate care and clinical excellence by filling out an a nomination form located online at https://www.ozarkshealthcare.com/your-visit/ or picking one up at several locations throughout Ozarks Healthcare’s hospital.
