September 2026 DAISY Award Honoree – Clifton Randale McKissick, RN, ICU
“I wanted to take a moment to personally recognize Clifton for the exceptional care and compassion he showed my husband, Kyle, while he was in the ICU at Memorial Hospital at Gulfport earlier this month.
His care for Kyle did not go unnoticed. Clifton went above and beyond in so many ways, and during an incredibly difficult and frightening time for our family, his kindness and compassion brought us a sense of comfort and reassurance that meant more than I can put into words.
I especially appreciated the way he took the time to explain things to me, what was happening, what he was doing, and what we might expect if Kyle’s condition began to change. He never made me feel like I was asking too many questions or that I was in the way. He made sure I understood what was happening, and that helped me feel more prepared during a time when so much felt uncertain.
Most importantly, Clifton recognized something that was very important to my husband: he didn’t want to be alone. He understood that without me ever having to explain how much my being there meant to him. Clifton went out of his way to make sure I didn’t have to leave Kyle when visiting hours were over, and that kindness is something I will never forget.
There are people who do their jobs well, and then there are people who bring compassion, humanity, and genuine care to what they do. Clifton is that kind of nurse.
He saw my husband as a person, not just a patient, and he saw me as a worried wife who needed someone she could trust. His patience, kindness, communication, and willingness to go the extra mile made an incredibly difficult experience a little easier for both of us.
I hope Clifton knows what a difference he made. He may care for many patients, but his care for my husband will always be something our family remembers. Thank you, Clifton, from the bottom of my heart.”
Thank you, Clifton, for the exceptional care you provide our community!
In addition, several other nurses were nominated for a DAISY Award in September:
- Marcus Kennedy, RN ICU
- Nancy Downey, RN ICU
- Nicole Griesheimer, RN ICU
- Vianna Riverta Herrera, RN ICU
- Shonda Woods, RN 5ABD
- Rhayna Ashley, RN 5ABD
- Brad Sartor, RN Float/Clinical Support
- Amaris Necaise, RN M/B
- Monica Reasor, RN 7ABCD
- Tracie Evers, RN 3B
- Christine Wells-Wonsley, NP OS Clinic
- Chis Reeves, RN Cath Lab
- Jane Yarbrough, RN ICU
- Julie Butler, RN L/D
- Tara Davis, RN Infusion
- NeTanya Almashni, RN ER
- Sarah Gatlin, RN 4CD
- Shacorey Richardson, RN 3B
- Thao Thu Hoang, RN Pediatrics
- Natalie Konrick, RN ER
- Shanna Kirkland, RN ER
- Madysen Evans, RN 5ABD
- Romanda Chambers, RN 7ABCD
- Vena Shaw, RN 7ABCD
- Anthony Nguyen, RN ICU
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