Salisbury, MD — TidalHealth Peninsula Regional is pleased to announce that Kayla Turner, RN, of 5 West, has been selected as its DAISY Award recipient for January 2026.
Turner was nominated by a patient for her dedication and compassionate, patient-centered care:
“In May, I underwent gastric bypass surgery that led to complications and left me in a coma. After leaving the intensive care unit, I was confused and experienced periods of delirium. Kayla was assigned to my case when I was transferred to 5 West to continue my recovery.
I struggled with pain, anxiety and confusion about what had happened to me. Kayla was humble and very reassuring to me, going above and beyond her expectations and job description. During my hospital stay, she performed her duties with compassion and communicated effectively and promptly when providing updates to my family and friends.
During my most recent stay in October, I once again had the privilege of being cared for by this extraordinary nurse. Kayla’s compassion, professionalism and dedication deeply touched both my family and me.
The manner in which Kayla fosters trust and healing for every patient does not go unnoticed. From the moment she entered my room, she treated me not just as a patient, but as a person. Her calm presence and genuine warmth immediately put me at ease during a stressful time.
Kayla’s interpersonal skills are exceptional. She took the time to explain every step of my care, answered all of my questions with patience and clarity, and always ensured that my comfort and dignity were her top priorities. She communicated seamlessly with the entire healthcare team, always advocating for my needs while showing the utmost respect for her colleagues. With my family, she was kind and attentive, taking the time to reassure them and provide emotional support when they needed it the most.
Through her empathy and professionalism, Kayla built a foundation of trust that made a difficult experience much more bearable. What made her stand out was the personal connection she created. Even when she was busy tending to her other patients, she remained consistent with my care and took the time to listen to my story and get to know me. She had an incredible ability to sense when I needed reassurance or encouragement, often offering the right words or gestures at the right time. Her compassion went far beyond the technical aspects of nursing — she cared for the whole person, body and spirit.
Kayla is a shining example of what it means to live out TidalHealth’s mission and values every day. Her dedication and kindness left a lasting impression on my family and me. She embodies the very essence of nursing excellence, and I can think of no one more deserving of the DAISY Award.”
Turner was honored with the DAISY Award in a ceremony before their colleagues. She received a certificate commending her for being an extraordinary nurse, and a sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.
The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, California, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Barnes died at age 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little-known but not uncommon autoimmune disease.
The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
To nominate a TidalHealth registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) for this award, visit tidalhealth.org/recognition.
