Three nurses across the healthcare system were recognized with nominations written by patients and coworkers with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

Sara Gregg, RN

Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative Care, Skilled Nursing Facility

A patient wrote about Sara Gregg:

When I was first admitted to Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative Care for rehab, I had almost no mobility and was bedridden.

The following is just a small example of how she cared for me above and beyond her duties. She always came in with the happiest disposition, extending care and compassion every time she walked in the room. She always made me feel as if my needs and care mattered. She didn't act like I was a bother or interruption to what she was doing.

She not only treated me with tender loving care, but extended that same caring attitude to my daughter. This was a hard time for my daughter, witnessing me in an altered state of mind. My daughter kept repeating that I was not your typical 93 year old. Sara took time to listen to her and look at pictures and videos of me before surgery.

Sara encouraged me, pushing me along at times. She loved on me and nursed me, but she “CARED” for me above and beyond medical duties. She hugged and comforted my daughter when emotions got the best of her. She never gave up on me. I Iooked forward to when she was working because I knew, not only would I receive awesome nursing skills, but extra caring and a lot of pampering!

Amy Payne RN, Pelham Medical Center

A patient wrote about Amy Payne:

I believe whole heartedly that special nurse Amy Payne should be awarded the Daisy Award. Her name Payne was well played in my visit here, but it was the pains that I had, she took away from me. No matter how many times I hit the call button, she arrived promptly. She never forgot me. She paid very close attention to me, covering me up when I was cold, without having to ask and uncovering me when I was getting too hot

Amy was always smiling, making me feel comfortable, and even made me laugh at times, when I was down. She noticed I was dehydrated. She then convinced me I needed to drink two large waters in at least two hours. She then brought me them both with lots of ice to make it cold just the way I like it.

Amy always lifted my spirits by saying I was looking better each day. Things like that make you want to fight harder to achieve your goal of getting better. It's like she was running in a race right alongside me to ensure that I got home safe and sound.

Candice Ezell, RN, Spartanburg Medical Center

A coworker wrote about Candice Ezell:

A young adult patient was admitted to 4 West on July 14 and was soon diagnosed with a very aggressive lung cancer. The whole floor quickly fell in love with this man, along with his wife and two small children. Although the entire unit provided care, one nurse — Candice Ezell — had an extreme impact on him and his family.

The day after he was admitted, this nurse had to transfer him to the ICU due to breathing issues. The patient was having a hard time and was not feeling well. His nurse offered to pray with him, and he gladly accepted the offer. Candice had only known the patient a few hours and had only been a nurse at SMC for six weeks. She prayed for this patient and his family.

The patient's wife was so touched by Candice's kindness. The patient's condition continued to decline, and he was transferred to the hospice home where he passed away. Candice and the patient's wife became friends outside of the hospital. 

On September 3, Candice had tragedy strike her own family. Her four-month-old son passed away during the night while she was at work. The wife of the patient found out and reached out to the nurse and helped her through her personal tragedy, which included paying for the baby's funeral.

In only a few hours of caring, Candice had made such an impact on the family that the wife wanted to reciprocate in her time of need.