Ozarks Healthcare honors Ashley Russell, RN, with DAISY Award for Exceptional Compassion and Patient Care

Ozarks Healthcare is proud to recognize Ashley Russell, RN, and Manager of its Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Cardiac Stepdown Unit (CSU), as the latest recipient of the prestigious DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award. This award honors nurses who go above and beyond in delivering exceptional clinical care and heartfelt compassion to their patients.

Russell’s dedication to patient care was recently demonstrated in a remarkable act of kindness. When she learned that a patient being discharged did not have adequate clothing to wear home, she took time out of her busy day to personally go to the store and purchase an outfit for them. After returning to the unit, she sat with the patient, offering comfort and reassurance as they grew anxious while awaiting discharge. Her selfless actions exemplify the core values of nursing - providing not only medical care but also dignity, kindness, and emotional support.

“Ashley’s compassion and commitment to her patients truly stand out,” Tonya Aaron, Ozarks Healthcare Director of Emergency Services and DAISY Award Coordinator, said. “She saw a need and took it upon herself to ensure her patient had what they needed to leave the hospital with dignity. Her actions embody the very spirit of the DAISY Award.”

The DAISY Foundation, based in Glen Ellen, California, was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away at the age of 33 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). Inspired by the extraordinary care Barnes received from nurses during his illness, the foundation seeks to honor nurses who make a profound difference in the lives of their patients and their families.

Members of the public, including patients, visitors, nurses, physicians, and Ozarks Healthcare staff, may nominate a deserving nurse for the DAISY Award by filling out a nomination form online at https://www.ozarkshealthcare.com/your-visit/ or picking one up at various locations throughout Ozarks Healthcare’s hospital.

Russell’s dedication to compassionate care serves as an inspiring example to all, and Ozarks Healthcare is honored to have her as part of our team.

Ozarks Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system that serves more than 160,000 residents across south-central Missouri and northern Arkansas. With its main campus residing in West Plains, Missouri, the health system offers a full spectrum of healthcare for all ages through its 114-bed hospital, behavioral health, therapies, pharmacies, rehabilitation, and home care services, along with specialty and family medicine clinics. Ozarks Healthcare has rural locations across an eight-county service area and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.

Ashley Russell, RN