By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Aminda Brunner was honored for her extraordinary compassionate care Jan. 2 at Hays Medical Center when she was given the Daisy Award.

The daughter of Jesse and Rita Brunner of Tampa, she received “The Healer’s Touch” trophy and a bouquet of flowers.

Brunner has been a registered nurse at Hays Medical for 16 years. The last 12 years, she has served in the emergency department.

Brunner was nominated by a former patient who was fighting depression and had come to the emergency room for help.

When nominating Brunner, the patient said she “went out of her way” to make sure the patient was OK.

She called for tests and consults, and spent several minutes visiting with the patient at various times throughout the day.

She also arranged for a sitter to stay with the patient and made sure the patient had everything needed, such as meals, fluids, and snacks, during the patient’s stay.

The patient said Brunner was a lifesaver.

“It’s always a huge honor to get any award,” Brunner said, “but when a patient requests it, it is really special. It’s very humbling.”

She said she enjoys her job because of the diverse situations she faces.

“I love the fact that you never know what’s going to come through those doors,” she said. “It could be anything from birth to death.

“It’s satisfying to help people when in their time of need and to know that you are making a difference, even when they are strangers.”

She noted that she not only takes care of patients but their loved ones, as well.

The Daisy Award was established in 1999 and is awarded throughout the United States by health care facilities and schools of nursing.

Health care administrators say the award is inspirational.

It boosts morale and is an excellent tool to encourage nurses to stay on the job. They say award winners are role models for other nurses.