Kris De Geest, RN, with Monument Health Receives DAISY Award

Kris De Geest, a Registered Nurse in the Rapid City Hospital ICU, has received the prestigious DAISY Award. A national program, the award is presented to nurses who go above and beyond for their patients and community. He was nominated by a patient’s wife.

After being transferred to the ICU, the patient’s family were warned that he may not fully recover, but that night Kris provided the family with much-needed hope. “I was terrified to leave my husband’s side that night, but the calm positivity from Kris got me out of the hospital and home to pray,” wrote the patient’s wife. “Kris was always willing to answer my questions, explain whatever I didn't understand, and most importantly, provide my husband with the best care possible, because of his knowledge and dedication to his patient.”

As the patient recovered, he was still afraid. The patient’s wife continued, “Kris spent as much time as my husband needed those first nights, in his room, holding his hand, talking and calming him. My family will never find a way to thank Kris enough for all he did for us. He is an expert in his field, a truly giving human being, who deserves recognition for the excellent care he provides.”

The DAISY Award recognizes the outstanding professionalism and compassion that nurses bring to patients and families every day. It was established by the DAISY Foundation in California in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 of an autoimmune disease. DAISY is an acronym for “diseases attacking the immune system.” Nurses in Rapid City are selected 12 times a year for this recognition. Nurses are also honored in Custer, Lead-Deadwood, Spearfish and Sturgis. Visit monument.health/daisy to nominate.