MILES CITY, MONTANA – Holy Rosary Healthcare has recognized Megan Schmitz, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse, with the DAISY Award for her excellent patient care and dedication.
The DAISY Award was established in 1999 by the DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at 33 from an autoimmune disease. The Barnes family was impacted by the care and compassion of the nurses who cared for Patrick, and they created this international award to say ‘Thank you’ to nurses everywhere. The award honors and celebrates the skillful and compassionate care that nurses provide.
Schmitz has been a Holy Rosary Healthcare ICU nurse since July of 2020, after transferring from St.Vincent Healthcare, a sister SCL Health facility in Billings, and has also been a Clincal Resource Registered Nurse (CRRN) at Miles Community College since 2019. Her primary duties at the college include conducting clinical work for MCC Nursing Studies on-site at the Holy Rosary Healthcare hospital in Miles City, as well as running simulation labs for nursing students on campus.
“Megan is a critical part of the nursing faculty here at the college and is incredibly deserving of this award,” commented Deidre Fitzgerald, MCC Nursing Program Director. “She shows so much care and compassion in her work, and it inspires our students for future nursing practices.”
“Megan is an extraordinary member of our nursing team,” said Carol Enderle, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing & Operating Officer, Holy Rosary Healthcare. “I am thrilled that we are able to celebrate her with this award. Megan does an outstanding job in caring for the individuals and families in Eastern Montana, and we are so grateful for her outstanding contributions to our hospital. This recognition is well deserved.”
The patient nominator who recommended Schmitz as a DAISY Award recipient shared, “You showed excellent compassion for my well-being, while I was in your unit. You were understanding and listened to my concerns and feelings. You have excellent nursing skills. A 5-star thank you!”
In addition, she was nominated by a peer who wrote, “Megan is always a bright point in my day. I appreciate her willingness to educate me as a peer. She has joined multiple committees to better the care we provide and also teaches and trains nurses and nursing students. One of my most treasured moments was watching her hold the hand to comfort a patient who was passing and did it with such strength and grace. Her humor and kind spirit support a working culture I want to be a part of.”
Schmitz shared that she always wanted to be a nurse. She has a thirst for learning and practicing new skills and a passion for patient-centered care. She shared, “my patients have changed my life, changed the person I am, and definitely the nurse I am today.” She also shared her appreciation for the nursing leadership at Holy Rosary and the positive culture of the organization.
For more information about the DAISY Award and Foundation, please visit www.daisyfoundation.com..
Founded in 1939, Miles Community College (MCC) was established as the first community college in the state of Montana. Nestled in the heart of Miles City, the two-year college offers a bustling campus with on-site housing, a full athletic program, and a state-of-the-art Ag Advancement Center and offers quality programs including nursing/healthcare, agriculture & equine studies, business, information technology, education, and more.
