Garcia, Larkin get Daisy Awards

WEST BURLINGTON – Great River Health presented the next round of DAISY Awards for Extraordinary Nurses® of 2026. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide to patients and families every day. 
The latest Great River Health DAISY Award recipients are:
• Adrene Garcia is a Registered Nurse on the Medical-Surgical Unit at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, West Burlington. She was nominated by the girlfriend of a patient who underwent hip replacement surgery. “He was in a lot of pain, anxious, and crabby, but lucky for us, Adrene was our nurse,” she wrote. “She was warm, compassionate, and very empathetic, with a great sense of humor to match my boyfriend’s. Adrene was attentive, encouraging him through his therapy and taking notes during the doctor’s visits to recap important information about his recovery. She did a very professional handoff at the end of her shift and then was back the next morning for a full day of support, care, and encouragement.” Adrene exemplified the professionalism, care, and personal connection of an extraordinary nurse.
• Amber Larkin, RN, Women & Family Center, Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, West Burlington, was recognized by one of her patients for her compassion and attentiveness during her labor and delivery. Taking the time to reposition her multiple times, massage her back and write a special message on the whiteboard in her room. “In the “today’s plan” section, she wrote: “Have a Birthday Party.” I have had other children previously, and no other nurse has ever been thoughtful enough to put something on the board that is so simple but meaningful to a new mother,” expressed the patient. Comparing her birthing experience at SEIRMC with her other children’s births at larger hospitals, she noted, “This experience was the best one, and I truly do give the props to Amber. Amber, if you read this, I truly thank you again for the care you gave me! That is an experience I will forever brag on. You are a great nurse!!”
A committee at Great River Health chooses the award recipients to receive The DAISY Award. Adrene and Amber were honored at a special Daisy Award ceremony in their departments, attended by the Honoree’s colleagues, families, patients, and visitors.  Each Honoree received a certificate commending her as an "Extraordinary Nurse."  The certificate 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."  Honorees also received a DAISY Award pin, and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. The Great River Health Daisy Award recipients will be featured on the Daisy Foundation website along with recipients from around the world.
Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues on an ongoing basis. 
Great River Health employs over 815 nurses, providing patient care at their Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center - Fort Madison and West Burlington - campuses; along with Henry County Health Center in Mount Pleasant.
More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.