Thoughtful, patient-centered care earns ICU nurse DAISY Award for April

Simple acts of compassion and kindness can go a long way for patients and family members when they’re in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). For one family, their mother’s nurse took thoughtful, extra care to create a calm, restful environment during a difficult time.

In recognition of his extraordinary care, Cody Hapner, RN, of the ICU, has been named Reid Health’s DAISY Award recipient for April.

Tasha Scalf of Richmond nominated Hapner for the care he provided to her mother, Tammy, during her ICU stay.

Scalf and her aunt, Diane Lakes of Richmond, attended the DAISY presentation to show their appreciation, wearing buttons with Tammy’s photo to honor her memory. Her sisters, Tina Rolf of Centerville and Arika Burgess of Richmond, were unable to attend but also appreciated Hapner’s efforts.

“While the ICU environment might not be conducive to rest for patients or visitors, Cody demonstrated exceptional dedication in minimizing any disturbances caused by his presence,” Scalf said.

She spent the night with her mother in the ICU and noticed the thoughtful approach Hapner took to minimize disruptions.

“He refrained from making excessive noise or illuminating the room with bright lights whenever possible. He consistently made every effort to avoid causing any disruption to my mother or myself,” Scalf said.

Misti Foust-Cofield, Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer, said the nomination highlighted Hapner’s attentiveness to both the patient and her family.

“You cared not only for her mother and her sister, but for their family as a whole,” Foust-Cofield said. “You made all of their needs a priority, and they felt comforted every time you walked into the room.”

Scalf said she appreciated Hapner’s efforts, acknowledging nurses often face demanding and sometimes unappreciative work environments.

“Cody’s unwavering commitment and meticulous attention to detail had a profound impact on our situation,” Scalf said.

“I would like to express my gratitude for his efforts and convey the significant difference he made.”

Hapner first decided to become a nurse when he experienced the teamwork of an ICU for himself.

While he was serving in the U.S. Army, his father, Charles Hapner, was in a car accident and spent a month in the ICU.

“I remember seeing the team working and how they were a well-oiled machine,” Hapner said.

“They didn’t even have to talk — they just knew what was coming next. As soon as I saw that I knew I wanted to do something similar and be part of a team like that.”

Once he left the Army, he worked in construction for a time before he started at Reid as a phlebotomist in 2019. His wife, Angelica, also worked for the hospital as a nurse’s aide. In 2023, he earned his nursing degree.

“Even when I did phlebotomy, I was in the ICU. This is all I’ve ever done. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else,” he said.

Hapner said he remembers Tammy and the challenges she faced. Receiving recognition from the family for the efforts he takes toward patient-centered care is especially meaningful.

For Hapner, being an exceptional nurse means giving everything he can to each patient.

“Those are the days I feel best when I leave — when I feel like I gave everything I could,” he said. “Even when you don’t have a good outcome, that’s how I can sleep at night — knowing I did everything I could and gave them the best chance.”

He credits his development as a nurse to his team.

“I love my team. I wouldn’t be half the nurse I am today without the people around me,” Hapner said.

“Everybody’s always willing to teach. It’s a really cool environment to work in, you learn so much. This is such an amazing team.”

The lifelong resident of New Paris, Ohio, said he hopes to leave a lasting impact by mentoring others.

“Making sure the nurses coming up around us have the same ethics and ethos — that we’re here to give people the best chance possible — as long as I leave that, I’ll be happy,” he said.

Each DAISY recipient receives a certificate, a pin, and “The Healer’s Touch” sculpture recognizing extraordinary nursing compassion.

Hapner’s family who attended the ceremony included Angelica; his mother and stepfather, LeAnne and Dean Stiver, a wound care nurse at Reid; and his friend, Max.

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 https://www.reidhealth.org/daisy-award.