Marci Runneberg, R.N., of St Anthony Regional Hospital was surprised and honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses at a reception that was held at the hospital on Thursday, October 21. Homemade cinnamon rolls and Starbuck’s coffee were served to Marci and her surprise guests of family members and staff at the St. Anthony Emergency Department. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

Marci studied nursing at DMACC. She started at St. Anthony Regional Hospital in 1998 as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and became a Registered Nurse in 2005 and now works in the Emergency Department. Marci and her husband, John live in Laurens have three children.

The nomination submitted read in part: “I was completely taken back by the amount of compassion and kindness Marci showed to one of her Emergency Department patients. Marci was taking care of a young, single, expectant mother who had several issues hindering her from receiving the medical care she needed with her high risk pregnancy. Marci went completely above and beyond for this patient by helping the patient get the insurance and appointments needed to see an OB specialist in Omaha.

Marci’s compassion, empathy and kindness reminded me that nursing goes beyond the initial medical care. I nominated Marci because I hope that it impacts others the way it impacted me. She took the time, listened to the patient, recognized the true underlying problem and helped the patient get the help she really needed.”

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, CEO and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation, “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at St. Anthony Hospital are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”

“I am truly grateful to get to work with a nurse who can inspire me to be a better person.” said Sara Roth, Emergency Department Director.

“A nurse’s calling is more than just a job and often involves helping to save a life, bring a life into this world, or holding the hand of a life as they die with dignity,” said Scott Ellis, Vice President of Patient Services and Chief Nursing Officer at St. Anthony. “It is important to recognize the extraordinary work that the St. Anthony nurses perform in every area.”