‘She cared for all of us’: Compassion creates lasting memories for a family in hospice care

May 7, 2025 -- During Dennis Spears' inpatient stay at Reid Health's hospice unit, Alyssa Johnson provided more than just medical care, she was a source of peace and comfort for him and his family.

On April 29, Johnson, a registered nurse for the hospice, oncology, medical and surgical unit on 5 East, was honored with the DAISY Award for her exceptional care with compassion and sensitivity.

Johnson was on her first day back from leave when she was presented with the award.

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.

Tammy Smith of Centerville, Indiana, nominated Johnson for the care she provided for her father, who had just retired as Centerville Fire Chief before he was admitted to the hospital for inpatient hospice in November. He'd been diagnosed with stage IV metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and cancer had spread to his bones and further into his body. He was also recovering from a second pathologic hip fracture, Smith said.

"My dad was in no way an easy patient," Smith wrote in the nomination. "We're pretty sure the cancer had spread to his brain because of the way he was acting and the things he was saying."

Despite the challenges, Johnson's presence brought peace and comfort to Spears and his family.

There is one particular moment that'll be a cherished memory for the family.

The night before Spears began a morphine and versed drip to manage his pain, he made a request: a date with his wife. Because of the severity of his fractured hip, Spears couldn't get out of bed safely, but yet he kept trying to get up on his own to arrange the room.

Despite being repeatedly called in during her shift because of Spears' confusion and attempts to get out of bed, the nurse patiently listened to him, Smith said.

Johnson responded to all Spears' questions, no matter how unusual or repetitive, and explained why he couldn't do the things he was trying to do, treating him with compassion and respect.

Johnson found a way to make the request happen safely. She transformed his bed into a chair, arranged a table, and set a place for his wife. The dinner date made their night.

Johnson's care extended beyond the patient. She was Spears' nurse when he passed away on Nov. 16, 2024.

"She was so patient with all of us," Smith wrote.

As a retired fire chief, Spears had several guests throughout his stay, but especially the day he died, Smith wrote.

"She was amazing with everyone. Always making sure we had everything we needed, always making sure my dad had everything he needed. Anything to make us feel more at ease," -- Tammy Smith

"She laughed with my dad, which was a feat difficult to do sometimes since he wasn't himself. She gave him a smile each time she walked in the room and made it obvious she was truly listening to his concerns."

Johnson's time and attentiveness were invaluable for the family, knowing she had multiple patients in her care.

"Never once did she make us feel he wasn't her only patient. I'm sure she was stressed with his situation and who knows what else she was dealing with on the floor, but we never would have known," Smith said.

"She definitely went above and beyond anything we ever expected. My dad was there for a total of six days, and we're blessed he had her half of that time."

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.

Smith, her husband, three children, and mother were present for the celebration and brought Johnson a bouquet to express their appreciation.

Johnson said receiving the DAISY Award has been a blessing.

"It serves as a reminder that what I do as a nurse has a lasting impact," Johnson said. "I think being an exceptional nurse is encompassed by patience, advocacy, and compassion.

"Caring for my patient in his final days truly left a mark on my heart. It was wonderful to have his family there to present the award for which they nominated me and to share that moment with them."

Misti Foust-Cofield, Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer, said Johnson is an example of the compassion, dedication, and commitment nurses provide patients and their families at Reid.

"Alyssa's ability to bring comfort and dignity to her patient while supporting his loved ones with grace and empathy is the kind of extraordinary care the DAISY Award was created to recognize," Foust-Cofield said. "We're proud to have Alyssa as part of our nursing team."

When thinking about the care she provides for her patients, Johnson remembered the words of Rawsi Williams: "To do what nobody else will do, in a way that nobody else can do, in spite of all we go through; that is to be a nurse."

Johnson lives in Richmond with her husband, Tyler, and their two sons.

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.