Kathy Dubbert, RN, is the most recent recipient of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Audrain. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize those nurses who have devoted their life’s work to the compassionate care of others.

Dubbert has been a nurse for more than 43 years in Mexico. She started her healthcare career at the hospital in high school as a candy striper and then earned her nursing degree. Throughout the years she has worked as a floor nurse caring for patients with severe cardiac issues, the director of nursing at the Stribling House, a certified diabetes educator and most recently, a case manager. For the past 20 years, Dubbert has worked with patients and the nursing staff to coordinate patients’ discharge planning needs.

Dubbert’s peers nominated her for her passion, knowledge and skills which allow her to provide her expertise in all departments. She always goes the extra mile for patients while advocating for them. She mentors other nurses and encourages them to continue their education.

“Kathy is a vital part of SSM Health and leads by example,” said Pam Tipton, director of inpatient nursing. “Her wealth of knowledge has contributed to so many positive outcomes and she truly fulfills our mission while encouraging others to do the same.”

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, Calif., and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Barnes died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), an auto-immune disease. The care Barnes and his family received from nurses 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.

Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues, and they are chosen by a committee at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital – Audrain to receive the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. Awards are typically given at presentations in front of the nurse's colleagues, physicians, patients and visitors although attendance at the presentations is currently limited due to the pandemic. Each honoree is registered as part of the national program and receives a certificate commending her or him for devoting their life’s work to the service and care of others as well as a beautiful sculpture called A Healer's Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa. The nurse and his or her unit is also treated to cinnamon rolls, as this was Barnes' way of saying thank you to the nursing staff caring for him.

For more information about the DAISY Award program, please visit www.daisyfoundation.org.