Published: May 13, 2025
Nurses Receive DAISY Award at Avita Health System
As we celebrate Nurses Day and Healthcare Week, we want to recognize a few of our extraordinary nurses who were nominated and selected to receive the DAISY Award. The criterion for this prestigious award includes: models empathy and demonstrates a caring attitude in all situations; demonstrates extraordinary clinical skills in the delivery of compassionate patient care; has a positive attitude and demonstrates professionalism in the work environment; exemplifies the mission, vision, and values of Avita; establishes a special connection with the patients and families.
These 3 nurses along with one of our OB techs were nominated by patients and/or families of patients for going above and beyond at a time when the patient was most vulnerable. Whether it was a sacred time of giving birth or a time of saying goodbye to a loved one departing from this world, these nurses made an everlasting difference to these patients and their families. We celebrate and honor the following employees.
Rebecca Wheeler, RN, Manager of Outpatient/Oncology Clinic – comments from her nominator – “Her actions reflect the concern and compassion she has for patients. I am very impressed with Rebecca’s promptness, receptiveness, and her diligence in addressing patient concerns, she didn’t make excuses, try to place blame, or blow it off- it was all about seizing the opportunity to improve the patient experience.”
Cori Collins, RN, Surgical Services Galion, Pre/Post Surgery – comments from a patient – “I just want to say Corey is a well-deserved nurse. She is amazing as I sit here in tears writing this about her. It just goes to show that there are some really good people out there and if it wasn’t for her, my experience probably would’ve been horrible. She’s the light at the end of the tunnel”.
Cassie Steinhour, RN, ICU Avita Ontario Hospital – comments from the family – “We believe that the compassion that was demonstrated to Diane and the family was great considering the circumstances. Losing a loved one is never easy, even when we know it is coming, but having someone like Cassie there to help makes a huge difference. We as a family were able to focus on Diane during these last days and not have to worry about many other things within the hospital, especially for those of us that work in healthcare”.
Tabitha (Tabby) Garberich, OB Tech, Galion Obstetrics (she was given an honorary DAISY award and will receive an Avita Monarch Award). – comments from a patient- “I was in a very hard position when it was time to give birth to my son. He was up for adoption because I felt I had no other choice. Tabby wasn’t just a nurse; she was my friend. She told me it wasn’t too late to change things and bring my baby boy home. She offered to buy a car seat out of her own pocket, made calls to get me all the baby supplies I needed for him and had bags upon bags of baby supplies ready to go so I could bring him home. If it wasn’t for Tabby, I wouldn’t have my little boy with me today and he has changed my entire life for the better. Tabby will always have a special place in my heart, and I will make sure my son will what she did for us when he grows up.”
We are blessed to have these Nurses and OB Tech on our Team. This is what Avita is all about! A very special Thank You to Rebecca, Cori, Cassie, and Tabitha for excellence in Nursing.