Published: May 14, 2026

Avita Health System Recognizes Nurses with DAISY Awards During Nurses Week

BUCYRUS / GALION / ONTARIO – Three registered nurses at Avita Health System were honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® during Nurses Week. The award is part of The DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize nurses for the compassionate care they provide to patients and families every day.

This year’s DAISY Award recipients are Janet Heydinger, RN of Galion Hospital; Andrea “Andi” Evans, RN of Bucyrus Hospital; and Andrea Roberts, RN of Ontario Hospital.

Janet Heydinger works in the Emergency Department at Galion Hospital. She was nominated by a patient and her husband for the care and compassion she showed during a miscarriage. “My wife was in the ER…she was having a hard time. Janet…was able to sympathize with her. She showed that she cared and didn’t mind the number of times we asked questions,” the patient’s husband shared. The patient added, “There are no words to describe how grateful I am for her care. She made the whole ordeal much easier for me to handle.”

Andrea “Andi” Evans is a shift supervisor in the Emergency Department at Bucyrus Hospital. She was nominated by a colleague for the care she provided to a fellow team member in crisis. According to the nominator, Andi noticed a coworker struggling and took the time to step in, listen, and support her. “Her actions went far beyond her duties as a nurse…Andi’s vigilance and kindness may have saved a life, and she exemplifies what nursing is all about.”

Andrea Roberts works in the Intensive Care Unit at Ontario Hospital. She was nominated by a colleague for her commitment to patient-centered care. “When I spoke with Andrea, she immediately looked into how to better coordinate lab draws so the patient wouldn’t have to be stuck multiple times,” the nominator shared. “Putting patient care above all…that is amazing patient care, and we all appreciate her more than words can explain.”

In addition to the individual honorees, several special DAISY recognitions were presented.

Aimee McKenzie, BSN, RN, Director of the Education and Training Center at Avita Health System, received the DAISY Educator Award. One team member shared, “Because of Aimee’s leadership, nurses and students are better prepared, teams are stronger, and the ripple effect is felt where it matters most…in the care our patients receive.”

The DAISY Team Award was presented to the Intensive Care Unit staff at Ontario Hospital. The team was nominated by families in recognition of the care and support they provided during difficult moments. “My family and I want to express our sincere gratitude…In one of the hardest moments of our lives, you cared for my brother with dignity and cared for us with compassion,” one family member wrote.

Sarah Konves, BSN, RN, Nurse Manager of the Medical-Surgical Unit and ICU at Ontario Hospital, received the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. She was nominated for her advocacy and leadership in supporting an employee through a critical health situation.

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 from complications of an autoimmune disease. The compassionate care he and his family received from nurses inspired this recognition program to thank nurses who make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

“We love this time of year when we can pause to recognize our nurses,” said Kathy Durflinger, Chief Nursing Officer at Avita Health System. “These nurses and nurse leaders make a lasting impact on patients and families and help guide the next generation of caregivers. You embody our mission to provide quality care to the communities we serve.”

Nurses at Avita Health System can be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues by filling out a form online or at any of Avita’s hospital locations. Award recipients are selected anonymously by a committee of employees and community members based on specific criteria.

Awards are presented throughout the year at celebrations attended by colleagues, patients, and visitors. Honorees receive a certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a hand-carved sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch.”