October 4, 2021
Patience, prayer and positivity are three personal and professional qualities that earned Silas Kukaewkasem the September 2021 National DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in Patient Safety at Pine Rest.
Silas is an RN with Admittance Team. He was nominated both by a patient and by fellow RNs in the Pine Rest Child & Adolescent Unit Meleah Walcott, Caroline Kuiper, Jessica Heidema and Christine Litchford.
“Silas has the most positive attitude ever,” says one of his co-workers, who recalls a time when the unit was flooded with new admissions and Silas stepped up to help handle intake without being called. “He shows up at exactly the time he is needed and always with a smile.”
A former patient recalls how Silas’ kindness and compassion made a difference during a difficult time.
“I was seriously depressed and my anxiety was through the roof … Not only was Silas thorough but also very caring. He assured me that it was alright to cry. He prepared some food for me and asked if he could pray for me. I felt his prayer deep in my heart … I felt safe and knew that I was in the right place for treatment.”
The DAISY award consists of a pin, sculpture and recognition on both DAISY’s International website and here at Pine Rest. Silas was joined by his wife, Hannah, during the award presentation ceremony, along with Pine Rest Chief Nurse Executive Gretchen Johnson, Vice President of Hospital & Residential Services Harmony Gould, Clinical Staff Manager for Nursing Operations Aggie Siebert, and other members of his unit. Says one of his fellow RNs:
“He truly feels like a knight in shining armor. Well done, Silas!”
Silas is also featured in our Nursing Careers at Pine Rest video talking about the highlights of his career in psychiatric nursing.
To learn more about the DAISY award and/or nominate an extraordinary Pine Rest nurse, visit our DAISY Nomination page.
To view other DAISY award recipients or to nominate an extraordinary Pine Rest nurse, visit the DAISY Nomination section of our website.
