‘As a parent, I couldn’t have asked for more’: September’s DAISY Award recipient honored for helping ease young patient’s pain with care, active conversation

Oct. 7, 2025 -- Emily Flanigan's daughter, Stella, was having severe stomach pain on a late Sunday night. Concerned, she took her to Reid Health's Emergency Department in Connersville, where their nurse used his clinical and communication skills to immediately put them at ease.

"He was kind, calm, and clear — offering thorough explanations and a bedside manner that combined compassion with just the right amount of humor," Flanigan said.

For his ability to put a patient at ease with compassionate, extraordinary care, Louis Buckmeier, RN, Reid Emergency Services - Connersville, was selected as the DAISY Award recipient for the month of September.

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

The DAISY Award was created to recognize nurses who treat patients and families with compassion, instill faith and hope, exceed expectations by understanding and anticipating patient needs, and create a welcoming environment.

In her nomination, Flanigan said Buckmeier explained every step directly to Stella, from blood work to placing her IV. Flanigan, a Connersville resident, said he had a gift for giving simple and clear explanations, without making either parent or child feel as though they'd been talked down to or their questions had been brushed off.

"She told me more than once how glad she was that he was her nurse. His personality made her smile, helped her relax, and took her mind off the pain," Flanigan said.

Stella described the interaction as "active conversation." Buckmeier didn't just make small talk, he asked questions and showed he genuinely cared, which made her feel seen and not just treated.

"Even when the IV placement was difficult, he stayed positive and patient. She noticed that and appreciated he kept trying without ever seeming frustrated or rushed," Flanigan said.

When it comes to patient care, Buckmeier is guided by how he'd like to be treated.

"I try my best to help the patients under my care feel at ease and to make sure their voices are heard," he said.

"My goal is always to provide the kind of care I'd want to receive if I were in their place. I don't see myself as extraordinary. I simply do my best each day, with what I have, where I am."

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

Nominations for the DAISY Award can be submitted by patients, family members, colleagues, and community members. A committee of colleagues selects the recipient during a blind review process.

"Receiving the DAISY Award was overwhelming in the absolute best way possible," Buckmeier said. "Having something tangible to show that what we do as nurses truly matters is both heartwarming and encouraging."

Anna Osborn-Brown, Senior Director of Nursing, said Buckmeier's connection with Flanigan and her daughter is an example of the impact a nurse can have.

"What stands out is the way Louis makes patients feel seen and heard," Osborn-Brown said. "We're proud to celebrate him for the difference he makes in the lives of our patients and families."

Misti Foust-Cofield, Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer, said Buckmeier's approach helped to put his patient at ease.

"Louis gave the family comfort during a time of stress. His compassion, professionalism, and ability to connect with patients embody what the DAISY Award is all about," she said.

Originally from Harrison, Ohio, Buckmeier moved to Connersville with his family while he was young. He earned his nursing degree from Indiana University East in 2020 before joining Reid's emergency department.

He said the five years he's worked with the Connersville team has been an honor and pleasure - bringing challenges, growth, and countless meaningful moments - making for a rewarding career. He added it was also touching to have his family present to share in the moment, too, since they've provided unwavering support throughout his career.

"I'd simply like to say thank you to my nominators, my co-workers, and my family," Buckmeier said. "I'm so grateful for the support and trust that have allowed me to grow in this career and to do the work I love every shift."

He appreciated the opportunity to reconnect with the Flanigans at the celebration.

"They're such kind and wonderful people. Seeing them again and having the chance to thank them in person was an extremely special experience, one I'm endlessly grateful for," he said.

Flanigan was glad her children were at the presentation to see how compassion, kindness, and genuine care can make a lasting difference.

A few weeks after Stella's visit to the emergency room, Flanigan found herself back in the same room when her son broke his wrist.

"When the door opened and Louis walked in, I was immediately at ease," Flanigan said. "His consistent care and warmth speak volumes about who he is both as a nurse and a person."

For Flanigan, Buckmeier's care had made all the difference.

"As a parent, I couldn't have asked for more," Flanigan wrote in the nomination following Stella's visit. "His presence was calming, his care was thoughtful, and his professionalism never came at the expense of real human connection.

"We were lucky to have had Louis as our nurse that night. He represents everything this award stands for, and I hope every patient has the chance to be cared for by someone like him."

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 autoimmune 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.