Alexis Rivera, LPN, a nurse at Moore Regional Hospital, has received the DAISY Award, a national recognition celebrating nurses who go above and beyond in providing compassionate, patient-centered care.

Alexis was nominated by a patient and her fellow nurses for an act of kindness that exemplifies the heart of nursing, said FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in a news release. The staff shared how Alexis provided not just medical care but also restored dignity and comfort to a patient in a deeply meaningful way.

On this occasion, Alexis responded to a call light to assist a patient. The patient wanted fresh water, which she fulfilled, and in typical “Alexis fashion,” she asked if there was anything else she could do to assist the patient before leaving the room. This patient had been hospitalized due to a fall resulting in fractures, so mobility was an issue. The patient explained that due to the nature of his injuries, he was not able to wash his feet, and this was somewhat embarrassing for him.

As Alexis does, she quietly closed the door, and with warm water and soap washed the patient’s feet. According to her coworkers, while this is an example of basic human care and basic humanity, Alexis does this non-stop, every hour of every shift, for anyone in need.

“I was unable to wash my feet, and it was shameful,” the patient wrote. “But I was blessed by a young lady, Alexis. My father was a Baptist preacher, and I know about Jesus having his feet washed. I felt like she was an angel. She was so humble and has compassion that’ll carry her far in life. God saw it.”

Alexis’s colleagues echoed this sentiment, describing her as a beacon of compassion and selflessness on their unit. One nurse shared how Alexis’s care serves as a reminder of why they chose nursing.

“Alexis reminds me of why we chose nursing as a profession. She embodies the true essence of patient care, not for recognition or accolades, but because her heart guides her to care. She lifts us all by restoring faith in our mission.”

Alexis, who has worked at Moore Regional as a licensed practical nurse for almost two years, shared what nursing means to her.

“I’ve always had a lot of compassion for others, and I truly believe God lights my path. Nursing gave me a path to improve the lives around me. It gives me the opportunity to give back. My heart and faith pulled me into the career of nursing.”

Alexis received her LPN certificate from Fayetteville Technical Community College and credits her journey at FirstHealth to a close friend.

“I am thankful for the opportunities that allow me to help patients on their journey from vulnerability to security,” she said. “I am grateful for my friend Grace, who guided me to FirstHealth, where I found an amazing team of nurses that have fostered my growth and understand how to care for patients. This award not only recognizes me but the exceptional team here on first surgical at Moore Regional.”

Nurse Manager Alexandra Morrison, DNP, MBA, R.N., NPD-BC, CMSRN, praised Alexis’s unwavering dedication to her patients and the entire care team.

“Alexis is a one-of-a-kind nurse who continues to amaze our entire team. She is a role model to her team and nursing students on the unit. You will never hear her complain, but instead, you will always find her focusing on the positive in any stressful or challenging situation. She is never content with providing adequate nursing care and continually seeks ways to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction. Her impact on patient care is not only felt by patients assigned to her care but also by any patient with whom she comes in contact. We are blessed to have her on our team and grateful that she received this award to remind her of how special she is and the remarkable impact she has on others.”

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses was established by the Daisy Foundation, a not-for-profit, based in Glen Ellen, Calif. The foundation was started by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, a little-known but not uncommon auto-immune disease.

The care Barnes and his family received from nurses inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patients’ families.

Today, there are more than 2,800 health care facilities in all 50 states and 17 other countries honoring their nurses with the DAISY Award.

For more information on the DAISY Award, or to nominate a deserving nurse, visit FirstHealth’s website.

To sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel breaking news and weekly e-newsletter, please click here.

Contributed article/photo.