June DAISY recipient provides comfort, compassion, and care like family
Alone, anxious, and in pain, a patient found comfort, reassurance, and compassionate care from her nurse on Reid Health's Medical-Surgical & Pediatrics Unit. The nurse's kindness helped her feel as though she was being cared for like a family member during a difficult time.
In recognition of her extraordinary care, Monica Kabetu, RN, has been named Reid Health's DAISY Award recipient for June.
Crystal Sturgeon of Richmond nominated Kabetu for going above and beyond with compassion during her hospital stay.
“Monica took the time to talk to me about how I was feeling and made it a priority to help me understand the things I had questions about,” Sturgeon said.
Facing physical discomfort and emotional stress, Sturgeon said Kabetu ensured she felt supported throughout her stay.
“She made it her priority to accommodate me with not only the items I needed, but with a listening ear and kind words of reassurance,” Sturgeon said.
In her nomination, she described Kabetu's compassion, positivity, and dedication as a source of comfort during a difficult time, and it was clear Kabetu genuinely cared about her work and her patients.
“Seeing Monica with her smiling face and overflow of positivity completely changed my mindset for the better,” Sturgeon said. “She made me feel safe and comfortable, as if she were caring for her own family member.”
Kabetu's reassuring presence left a lasting impression and helped Sturgeon navigate one of her most difficult moments.
“I only have great things to say about this woman. She was the light in a very dark time for me,” Sturgeon said. “I believe she is an excellent, shining example of what an exceptional nurse should be.”
Misti Foust-Cofield, Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer at Reid Health, said Kabetu's compassionate nursing care demonstrates the difference it can make for patients.
“By taking the time to listen, provide reassurance, and help her patient feel safe and supported, Monica exemplifies the kind of patient-centered care we strive to provide every day at Reid,” Foust-Cofield said. “We're proud to recognize her with the DAISY Award.”
Kabetu said she was deeply humbled and honored to receive the honor.
“It’s incredibly moving to know the care I provide has made such a meaningful impact on a patient's journey,” she said.
A native of Nairobi, Kenya, Kabetu graduated from Tumu Tumu School of Nursing in 2011 and spent a decade working as a registered nurse and midwife, helping deliver more than 2,000 babies. She relocated to Richmond in September 2024 and joined Reid as a nursing care assistant on the Orthopedics and Urology Unit in January 2025.
After completing her U.S. nursing licensure in April 2025, she transitioned to her current role as a registered nurse on the Medical-Surgical & Pediatrics Unit.
“For me, nursing is about more than clinical tasks,” Kabetu said.
“It’s about ensuring every patient feels accepted and heard. Seeing a patient's outlook improve because they feel supported is the greatest reward I could ask for. Recognition like this never crossed my mind.”
She credited her teammates, nursing leaders, and family for helping her succeed. Her husband, Peter, and their three sons were able to attend the DAISY presentation. Peter Kabetu is also a nurse at Reid for the oncology, medical surgical, and hospice unit.
“I’m so grateful to my wonderful teammates and nursing leaders for their overwhelming support, which has shaped me into the nurse I am today,” Kabetu said.
“Being part of the Reid Health family is a privilege, and I look forward to continuing to care for our patients with compassion.”
Each DAISY recipient receives a certificate, a pin, and “The Healer's Touch” sculpture recognizing extraordinary nursing compassion.
The DAISY Award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide to patients and families every day. To learn more about the DAISY Award or submit a nomination, visit http://www.reidhealth.org/daisy-award.