SGMC Health honored Brandi Phinazee, dialysis nurse, as the latest recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. This international recognition celebrates nurses who exemplify compassionate care, clinical excellence, and an unwavering commitment to their patients and colleagues.

Phinazee was nominated by a fellow nurse who described her as a steady source of mentorship, guidance, and encouragement, especially during high-pressure moments on the unit.

One such moment occurred when the nominating nurse was caring for their first ICU patient and encountered difficulty with the dialysis machine. According to the nomination, Phinazee stayed on the phone throughout the procedure to provide calm, expert instruction. Her steady presence and clear guidance transformed a stressful situation into a valuable learning experience.

Beyond that single instance, Phinazee continued to play a vital role in her colleague’s development, offering hands-on training and support for her colleague to become a dialysis nurse. Her ability to remain composed and decisive in critical situations was especially evident when she quickly recognized a patient in rapid decline and took swift action to stabilize their condition.

“Brandi exemplifies what it means to be a nurse, skilled, selfless, and full of heart,” her nominator shared. “She uplifts those around her and makes a lasting impact on everyone she works with.”

DAISY Awards are presented monthly in front of the nurse’s colleagues, physicians, patients, and visitors. Each honoree receives a certificate of recognition, a hand-carved sculpture titled A Healer’s Touch from the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe, and a floral arrangement of daisies, generously donated by The Flower Gallery, SGMC Health’s local DAISY Award sponsor.

SGMC Health offers a variety of recognition programs to honor employees who embody its tagline of Remarkable People, Extraordinary Care, Human Kindness. To learn more about these awards and other recognition programs, visit sgmc.org/recognition.