Pella Regional Health Center announced that Tonya Fletcher, RN, in the Pella Regional — Medical-Surgical Unit is the recipient of the 2021 quarterly DAISY award. The program is a national award, given at the local level, to registered nurses who exemplify extraordinary nursing. The focus is on special touches and human consideration that these nurses give to their patients.

Excerpt from Tonya’s nomination:

“Our department has been quite busy these past few months in 2021. Many staff members are working late hours or extra to ensure our patients’ needs are met. Tonya has helped out numerous times by staying late or taking extra call without batting an eye. Tonya works tirelessly and is devoted to her patients and their care. She is a ray of light in her department and easily enlightens patients and staff members who cross her path.

Tonya always goes above and beyond to stop and have a personal conversation with her patients. She makes sure they are always heard and respected. Even on a busy shift, she gives her time and energy to every patient she encounters.

Tonya is incredibly knowledgeable, dedicated to her patients, and enthusiastic about sharing her experiences. Her friendly and respectable approach to leading others is much appreciated by peers and truly brings the team together. First impressions of a workplace for a new employee is important in setting the culture and values of that workplace. She has made a positive impact and set the tone for an exciting career to new hires at Pella Regional.”

Fletcher received a certificate that reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” She was also given a sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.