News Release

FORT WAYNE — Seven Parkview nurses were recently recognized by The DAISY Foundation for extraordinary nursing.

The DAISY Foundation was founded in memory of Patrick Barnes, a 33-year-old man who spent eight weeks in a hospital being treated for an autoimmune disorder. During his stay, Barnes received excellent nursing care, and, in his memory, his family created The DAISY Foundation to honor nurses who go above and beyond for their patients.

Recognized in 40 countries and territories, the Foundation has honored 220,000+ nurses across 6,500+ healthcare organizations and schools of nursing — with more than 2.5 million nominations submitted by patients, families and colleagues. The award recognizes nurses for exceptional care while helping to inspire and engage co-workers, build team spirit and reinforce the importance of providing patient- and family-centered care.

Between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, the following seven nurses received DAISY awards. For their individual award stories and photos, follow the below links to The DAISY Foundation website:

• Heidi Elyea-Schulenberg, ortho trauma, Parkview Regional Medical Center.
• Kendra Hantz, OP infusion area, Parkview Packnett Family Cancer Institute.
• Brandy Hicks, orthopedics, Parkview Ortho Hospital.
• Salim Idriss, emergency department, Parkview Regional Medical Center.
• Caitlin Kenny, labor and delivery, Parkview Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
• Jessica Klausing, family birthing center, Parkview Kosciusko Hospital.
• Dena Short, family birthing center, Parkview Hospital Randallia.

“Being seen as exceptional among a sea of great nurses at Parkview is humbling and exciting,” said Elyea-Schulenberg. “For over 30 years I’ve looked at every patient and wondered what I could do to make them better medically, physically and emotionally. From there I treat them as I would want to be treated or as I would want my loved one to be cared for. I love talking with family members and finding a connection. It’s truly the little details in care that make for better experiences.”

“I have been blessed to care for many patients and their families during some of the most difficult times in my nine years as a nurse,” Hantz said. “I didn’t realize the impact I was making as I thought I was just doing what I do every day for all my patients. This reminds me how much of an impact nurses have on our patients and their families each time they are in our care. This recognition will forever leave an impression in my life.”

In total, 81 Parkview nurses have been honored with a DAISY award since 2021, including 27 new recipients in 2024.

“The stories our patients tell in their DAISY nominations are a reflection of the devotion and compassion Parkview’s nurses bring to their role every day,” said Juli Johnson, chief nursing and patient services executive, Parkview Health. “These nurses touch the lives of their patients in profound ways and inspire their co-workers to provide both excellent care and an excellent experience to the families they serve.”

For more information about The DAISY Award, visit daisyfoundation.org.