Texas County Memorial Hospital celebrated the remarkable contributions of its nurses during National Nurses Week, which took place from May 4 to 8.
Nurses Week is a yearly tradition at TCMH, recognizing the vital roles that nurses play across various departments, including medical, obstetrics, emergency room, surgery, intensive care, home health, hospice and clinics.
“Our nurses make a difference in the lives of patients every single day through their compassion, skill and dedication,” Courtney Owens, TCMH chief nursing officer, said. “We are incredibly thankful for the care they provide and the important role they play in serving our patients and community.”
To make this week a memorable celebration, the nurse managers at TCMH organized a variety of engaging events. Highlights included a scrub sale on Monday, a taco bar on Tuesday, a coffee bar on Wednesday, and a snack cart on Thursday.
DAISY Award
The week culminated in a DAISY ceremony on Friday, May 8, featuring a cinnamon roll breakfast for all nurses.
Among the nominees for the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award were TCMH nurses Nici Brotherton (med-surg LPN), Jenny Langrehr (med-surg LPN), Tori Moore (ICU RN), Angie Cox (OB RN), Candace Mize (ER RN), Gina Pursifull (LFC LPN), Stephanie Thurman (CMC FNP), Elisabeth Volanski (ER RN), Tara Stout (med-surg RN), Shanda Fitzgerald (ER RN), Rachel Spencer (med-surg RN), Lynsey Sullivan (MOC FNP), Tara Silveus (OB RN) and Tabatha Grindstaff (med-surg RN). Each nominee received special recognition along with a DAISY pin for their nomination.
“Each of the nurses nominated for the DAISY Award exemplifies excellence in patient care and compassion,” Owens said. The DAISY Award is the highest honor presented to RNs and LPNs at TCMH and recognizes nurses who go above and beyond in providing exceptional care to patients and families.
The DAISY Award is part of the nonprofit DAISY Foundation based in Glen Ellen, California. The foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away at the age of 33 in late 1999 due to complications from idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, a lesser-known but not uncommon autoimmune disease.
The exceptional care that Patrick and his family received from nurses during his illness inspired the creation of the DAISY Award, which serves to recognize nurses for their profound impact on the lives of patients and their families. The recipients must be nominated for a specific act of extraordinary care.
“Our nurses consistently provide compassionate, high-quality care that leaves a lasting impact on the patients and families they serve,” April Crites, RN, quality and risk management director and DAISY coordinator, said. “Their dedication, kindness and commitment to others are truly inspiring.”
From the nominees, Gina Pursifull from Licking was selected to receive the 2026 Spring DAISY Award. Pursifull has been with TCMH for 10 years.
Bill Bridges, TCMH chief executive officer, presented the award to Pursifull.
“We are grateful to everyone who took the time to submit nominations recognizing the outstanding work of our TCMH nurses,” Bridges said. “These stories highlight nurses who consistently go above and beyond in their daily responsibilities and reflect their strong commitment to providing exceptional care to our patients.”
Pursifull received the DAISY Award for a nomination from Tricia Breedlove, a Licking Family Clinic patient.
In her nomination, Breedlove praised Pursifull for the compassion and comfort she provides to her patients.
“I have recently begun wound care treatment at Licking Family Clinic and have been amazed at how quickly a bond of friendship has formed between myself and Gina,” Tricia shared. “Gina’s warm demeanor and caring nature have comforted me in ways I cannot fully describe. Anxieties are commonplace with situations like mine, but her loving personality dispels those anxieties with every visit.”
Tricia went on to say that, because of the consistent kindness and encouragement Gina provides, she wholeheartedly recommended her for this well-deserved award.
“Pursifull is a compassionate and dedicated nurse who continually goes above and beyond in caring for her patients,” Owens said. “She is truly deserving of the DAISY Award.”
As part of the recognition, Pursifull received a special DAISY Award pin, a certificate of recognition, a bouquet of fresh flowers and a hand-carved stone sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch.”