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Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to recognize several outstanding nurses through the DAISY Award program, honoring extraordinary compassion, clinical excellence, and dedication to patient care. 

This year’s DAISY Award winners are Megan Schuttler, Kelly Lee, and Renee Bronzynski, who were each recognized for going above and beyond to provide comfort, kindness, and exceptional support to patients and families during difficult moments. 

Megan Schuttler was honored for the compassionate care she provided to a patient who arrived at the Emergency Room alone during a challenging day. Megan immediately began providing attentive and thoughtful care, ensuring the patient received all necessary tests and treatments. When the patient was too weak to walk to the pharmacy, Megan personally picked up the prescriptions to make sure they received the medications they needed. On a cold, windy day, she also started the patient’s car from the lobby and safely wheeled them out to it before discharge. The patient shared that Megan made a stressful and isolating experience much easier and described her kindness and attentiveness as truly remarkable. 

Kelly Lee and Renee Bronzynski were recognized for the exceptional care they provided to a patient facing severe pneumonia and a complex transfer to another hospital. The patient’s family expressed heartfelt gratitude for the attentiveness, gentleness, and emotional support the nurses provided during an overwhelming and frightening time. As the family prepared for the difficult transfer, they shared that they were crying and terrified, but Kelly and Renee continued to care for their loved one with patience, skill, and unwavering compassion. The family described them as amazing staff members who made a profound difference in their experience. 

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics also recognizes Dawn Parkins as a DAISY Award nominee for the compassion and emotional support she provided to a patient and family during a stressful medical situation. Dawn took time to stop and speak with the family while their loved one struggled with severe breathing difficulties related to a complicated medical history. Through reassurance, conversation, and a heartfelt offer to pray with the family, Dawn brought comfort during a deeply emotional moment. The family described her gesture as beautiful and meaningful and praised her compassion and kindness. 

“The DAISY Award recognizes nurses who make a lasting impact through both clinical excellence and compassionate care,” said Ann Lengeling, Chief Nursing Officer at Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics. “Megan, Kelly, Renee, and Dawn exemplify the compassion, dedication, and patient-centered care that define nursing at Stewart Memorial. We are incredibly proud of the difference they make in the lives of our patients and families every day.” 

The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide to patients and families each day. Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is honored to have these exceptional nurses as part of its team and congratulates them on their well-deserved recognition. 

In recognition of National Donate Life Month, Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics honored the gift of life this April through a meaningful internal campaign titled “Why We Give.” The initiative invited employees to reflect on a powerful question: Why did you choose to become an organ donor?

The responses were deeply personal and inspiring, offering a moving reminder of the profound impact a single decision can have on countless lives.

As part of the month-long observance, Stewart Memorial hosted educational outreach efforts to increase awareness about the ongoing need for organ, eye, and tissue donors. Informational resource tables were set up in the Lake City Clinic rotunda and the hospital’s main entrance, providing patients, visitors, and staff with materials and guidance on how to register as donors. The displays encouraged meaningful conversations and empowered individuals to consider taking the first step toward saving lives.

Employees also participated in Blue & Green Day on April 10, wearing Donate Life colors to show their support and help spark awareness throughout the community.

“Every story shared by our team carried a sense of purpose and compassion. It was clear that behind each decision to become a donor is a deeply personal connection to hope, healing, and helping others,” said Rachel Walters, Marketing Coordinator at Stewart Memorial.

The “Why We Give” campaign highlighted the voices behind the decision to give, reinforcing the importance of organ donation and the lasting difference it can make for individuals and families in need. Several employees shared their personal “why”:

Norma W. shared the story of her daughter, Mallory, who was born with biliary atresia. After multiple surgeries and being placed on the donor registry, Norma ultimately became a living liver donor for her daughter during a time when the procedure was still in its early stages. Although Mallory passed away in 1994, Norma’s experience continues to shape her advocacy. “If you’re even thinking about it, please consider being an organ donor,” she shared.

Jill Birks became an organ donor through her connection to a close friend. “I am an organ donor because of my friendship with Liz Markert. Her daughter Emily received two lung transplants, the first while she was still in high school,” she said.

Sandra Williams shared a family legacy of donation. “Eye donation is something my family is proud to be part of,” she said. Multiple members of her family have been donors, and her brother’s life was saved by a kidney transplant after years of dialysis. “So happy the donor’s family was able to change the ending to my brother’s life.”

Another employee shared their perspective after personally facing kidney cancer. “I lost a kidney due to renal cell carcinoma. If something were to happen to my remaining kidney, I could need a transplant. I want to give others the chance to live a normal life if they ever need that same gift.”

Paula Johnson shared how organ donation directly saved her brother’s life. “Doctors told us he had about three days to live,” she said. That same night, another family made the decision to donate. “If it wasn’t for that organ donor, my brother would not be alive today. I thank that family every day for giving us more time with him.”

An anonymous submission reflected on how personal inspiration can come from unexpected places. After watching the film Seven Pounds, the individual was moved by the impact one person’s donation could have. “It showed how one life, even in loss, could give others a second chance. That inspired me to want to do the same.”

Stewart Memorial is proud to highlight the compassion and generosity of its staff—people who not only care for others in life but also believe in the power of giving beyond it.

To learn more about organ donation or to register as a donor, visit www.donatelife.net.

Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics is proud to recognize Becky Schweizer as a recipient of the Culture Champion Award for the first quarter. This award honors team members who consistently exemplify the hospital’s core values, including safety, communication, compassionate service, teamwork, and stewardship, while fostering a positive and supportive work environment.
Becky was nominated by Jodi Broesder, Rosita Crabb, and Nicki Wiggins, who highlighted her exceptional leadership and commitment to both patients and colleagues. Despite being relatively new to her position, Becky has quickly demonstrated a natural ability to lead, inspire, and unite her team.
“Becky jumped into her role headfirst and has been instrumental in promoting teamwork and innovative solutions to support her department,” said Nicki Wiggins. “She has implemented several initiatives that ensure Environmental Services provides exceptional care and safety for our patients, all while sharing the workload and encouraging her team to step outside their comfort zones.”
Becky’s leadership has been especially impactful during challenging times. Jodi Broesder shared, “Our team needed a leader, and Becky stepped up with confidence and dedication. She balanced the needs and personalities of the team while promoting collaboration, self-awareness, and true team bonding. Her positive attitude and unwavering support extend beyond her department to patients, visitors, and the entire organization.”
Known for her integrity, reliability, and open communication, Becky fosters an environment where team members feel heard, valued, and empowered. Her dedication to safety, compassionate service, and team cohesion exemplifies the values of Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics.
Stewart Memorial is honored to recognize Becky Schweizer as a Q1 Culture Champion and thanks her for the meaningful impact she makes every day.

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics will soon begin using a new automated appointment reminder system as part of its continued focus on improving communication and enhancing the patient experience.

“This is part of our ongoing effort to continuously improve how we communicate with our patients,” said Linn Block, CEO of Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics. “Clear, timely communication helps patients feel supported and prepared for their care, and this system allows us to provide helpful reminders while still respecting individual preferences.”

The new reminder system is separate from MyChart messaging. Patients will continue to receive MyChart notifications they have enabled, such as test results, pre-check-in reminders, and forms to complete.

Patients can review or update their communication preferences in the MyChart app at any time by selecting:
Main Menu (upper left corner) > Settings > Communication Preferences

Please note that opting out of all MyChart notifications will stop all messages, including test results, pre-check-in reminders, and forms.

If patients wish to adjust only appointment reminder notifications, they can do so in the MyChart app under:
Appointments > Advanced Settings > Automated Appointment Reminders

Keeping contact information and communication settings up to date helps ensure reminders are delivered in the way that works best for each patient.

Stewart Memorial remains committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care and clear communication at every stage of the healthcare journey. The addition of automated appointment reminders is one more way the organization is working to make care more convenient and patient-focused.

Patients with questions or who need assistance updating their MyChart settings are encouraged to call (712) 464-3171 or speak with a staff member during their next visit.

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to recognize three exceptional nurses, Dawn Parkins, Renee Bronzynski, and Kelly Lee, as DAISY Award nominees. Each nominee was honored for delivering extraordinary compassion, comfort, and support during a family’s deeply challenging medical experience.

Dawn Parkins was nominated for the kindness and emotional support she offered while a patient with a complicated medical history, including muscular dystrophy and a pacemaker, struggled with severe breathing difficulties. Dawn took the time to stop and speak with the patient’s family, sharing both reassurance and lighthearted conversation that eased a stressful moment. As their conversation came to a close, Dawn gently asked if she could pray with them. The family described the gesture as beautiful and deeply meaningful. They called her an amazing woman whose compassion made a difficult day feel a little lighter.

Renee Bronzynski and Kelly Lee were nominated together for the exceptional care they provided to the same patient, who was also battling pneumonia and facing a complex transfer to another hospital. The family expressed heartfelt gratitude for the attentiveness, gentleness, and emotional support these nurses offered during an overwhelming and frightening time. As the family prepared for a difficult transfer, they shared that they were crying and terrified, but Renee and Kelly continued to care for their loved one with patience, skill, and unwavering compassion. The family described them as amazing staff who made a profound difference in their experience.

The DAISY Award celebrates nurses who go above and beyond in their commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care. Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is honored to have Dawn, Renee, and Kelly as part of our nursing team and congratulates them on this well-deserved recognition.

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to announce that it has been recognized with the NRC Health® Excellence in Patient Experience Award in the Critical Access Hospital category.

This distinguished honor celebrates healthcare organizations that go above and beyond in providing exceptional care experiences to their patients and communities. Stewart Memorial was one of only three facilities nationwide designated as Critical Access Hospitals recognized for outstanding patient experience across the continuum of care.

Award recipients were selected based on their combined Real-time Net Promoter Score (NPS) and HCAHPS scores for the “Would Recommend Facility” question during the time period of April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025, out of 190 eligible facilities.

“This award is a reflection of our team’s unwavering commitment to compassionate care and human connection,” said Linn Block, CEO of Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics. “Every member of our staff plays a vital role in ensuring patients and their families feel heard, respected, and cared for every time they walk through our doors.”

Helen Hrdy, Chief Operating Officer at NRC Health, said, “This year’s Excellence in Patient Experience Award winners have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to listening to patients and their families, and improving care in ways that reflect NRC Health’s mission of Human Understanding. This achievement highlights the dedication of their entire teams, and we’re proud to celebrate their successes.”

“We are honored to be recognized for excellence in patient experience,” added Block. “Our team remains dedicated to continuous improvement and to upholding the trust our patients place in us.”

To learn more about Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics and its commitment to exceptional patient care, visit www.stewartmemorial.org.

About Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics
Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics provides compassionate, high-quality healthcare services to the Lake City area and surrounding communities. With a patient-centered approach, the organization is committed to advancing rural healthcare through innovation, integrity, and personal connection.

About NRC Health
For more than 40 years, NRC Health (NASDAQ: NRC) has led the charge to humanize healthcare and support organizations in their understanding of each unique individual. NRC Health’s commitment to Human Understanding® helps leading healthcare systems get to know the patients, families, consumers, employees, and communities they serve on a human level. NRC Health has received the 2025 Best in KLAS Award for Healthcare Experience Management, further validating its dedication to creating the most human healthcare experiences.

As part of National Rural Health Day, Stewart Memorial announced it has earned a 2025 Performance Leadership Award for excellence in Patient Perspective. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, the Performance Leadership Awards program recognizes top quartile performance (i.e., 75th percentile or above) among rural hospitals in Quality, Outcomes, and/or Patient Perspective.

“We are honored to be recognized for our strong patient perspective scores,” said Linn Block, CEO of Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics. “This award reflects our team’s ongoing commitment to listening to our patients, understanding their needs, and delivering compassionate, high-quality care close to home. Every staff member plays a role in making sure our patients feel valued and supported through every step of their healthcare journey.”

The Performance Leadership Awards program is based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, a comprehensive and objective framework for assessing how rural hospitals are performing. INDEX benchmarks are relied upon by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure performance across multiple areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

“The areas of quality, outcomes, and patient perspective are cornerstones of healthcare delivery across rural America, and this year’s Performance Leadership Award recipients are establishing a standard of excellence for their rural peers to follow,” said Michael Topchik, Executive Director, Chartis Center for Rural Health. “We are delighted to shine a spotlight on such strong performance and honor the achievement of these hospitals on National Rural Health Day.”