May's DAISY Award honoree recognized for genuine empathy, care

June 10, 2025 -- When Megan Schuck's grandfather was admitted to Reid Health's Progressive Care unit (PCU), the family was able to navigate a difficult time with the help of his nurse who listened with genuine empathy.

In recognition of providing exceptional care and compassion, Jacob (Jake) Isaacs, RN, for PCU, is the recipient of the DAISY Award for the month of May. He was presented with the recognition on June 6.

Reid's program is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide patients and families every day.

Patients, families, colleagues, and community members can submit nominations for nurses to receive the recognition. A committee of colleagues selects the recipient during a blind review process.

Schuck, a Richmond resident, said she wanted to express her deepest gratitude and nominated Isaacs for the care he provided to her grandfather, Allen Seals of Liberty, Indiana, who was a PCU patient before being discharged to hospice in March.

"Jake was the embodiment of compassion and professionalism, showing unwavering kindness and patience despite the hospital being incredibly busy," Schuck said.

"He took the time to explain everything he was doing, ensuring my grandfather was as comfortable as possible and that we, as his family, understood what was happening. Even while training another nurse, Jake remained attentive, patient, and thorough - demonstrating not just skill, but a true passion for his work."

The DAISY Award is presented monthly in a surprise ceremony attended by the nominator, the honoree's colleagues, family members, and Reid Health leadership. Each recipient receives a certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a hand-carved sculpture known as "The Healer's Touch," symbolizing the meaningful difference nurses make in the lives of others.

Schuck's uncle, Brian Seals, also attended the ceremony to share his appreciation for the care Isaacs provided. Coincidentally, the ceremony was fittingly held at the nurse's station adjacent to the room where their loved one had stayed.

He recalled a time Isaacs had worked three days straight and while caring for his father.

"When you came in, my dad was really disoriented, but you explained to us what everything meant, what the doctor said, and you took your time," he said.

"You came back in when I felt you maybe should have been someplace else. My dad really appreciated all your care, and said to us about the nomination it was really fantastic and he couldn't think of a better person. I've been impressed (with your care)."

Schuck shared her family's appreciation in her nomination.

"Though my grandfather has since passed after being discharged on hospice, I will always be thankful Jake was there to care for him in his last days. His presence made a difficult time a little easier, and I will never forget the care and dignity he provided. Thank you, Jake, for all you do." -- Megan Schuck, Richmond community member.

His colleagues call Isaacs a rockstar. To his patients, he's a caretaker with patience and compassion.

Misti Foust-Cofield, Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer at Reid, said it's an honor to recognize Isaacs with a DAISY.

"Jake is a rockstar not just to his colleagues, but to the patients and families he serves," said Foust-Cofield. "He consistently goes above and beyond to provide compassionate, patient-centered care, and his ability to connect on a human level is what makes him truly exceptional."

Earlier in May, Isaacs was also one of 10 to receive this year's Nursing Excellence Award at Reid in recognition of the high level of care they provide to our communities, patients, and their families.

Isaacs said he was honored the family attended the ceremony.

"I try to connect with every single family," Isaacs said. "Just the fact that I was able to makes me realize everything I'm doing matters."

All DAISY nominees receive a pin to recognize their nomination. This is Isaacs' third nomination and his first award. He said he enjoys the pins nurses collect and "seeing their garden grow" when they choose to display them on their badges.

"An exceptional nurse has the ability to relate to people on a fundamental level and to recognize they're people just like me," he said. "I always try to form a real emotional connection with patients."

Isaacs is from Connersville, Indiana. He started his career with Reid as a Student Nurse Technician on 5 East in 2019. He earned his nursing degree from Ivy Tech in 2021. He's worked as an RN for Reid's PCU on 4 East for the past four years.

Reid is also where Isaacs met his wife, Abby, an Occupational Therapist at Reid Pediatric Therapy in Connersville. The couple has a 16-month-old son, Theodore.

About the DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day. The DAISY Award was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by members of his family after he passed away from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.

To nominate a nurse for a DAISY Award, visit https://www.reidhealth.org/daisy-award.