Karni Dickinson, a 2015 graduate of North Platte High, has received the Daisy Award for excellence in nursing.

Dickinson currently works at the Brain Innovation Center of the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago, Ill., a research hospital that provides acute rehabilitation for stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury and other conditions.

The Daisy award is a program to celebrate and recognize nurses by collecting nominations from patients, families, and co-workers. It is a way to thank nurses for the care and kindness they provide.

Dickinson graduated from the Bryan College of Health Sciences in Lincoln in 2020 with a bachelor of science degree in nursing and certification as a registered nurse. She is also a certified rehabilitation registered nurse.

The award makes her eligible for numerous professional development, education, and wellness benefits, in addition to a Healer’s Touch sculpture from Zimbabwe (at left.)

The Daisy award recognizes her as “the epitome of nursing’s unique blend of art and science,” the Daisy Foundation said.

Testimony from her patients and co-workers bears that out.

“She is patient and kind; she spent time explaining my type of stroke and the medications,” a patient said. “She is comforting, and I am grateful that she was assigned to me. Thank you, Karni, for giving me such tender, loving care when I was so scared. I will never forget you.”

“This nurse holds a special place in my heart,” a nomination said. “She shows that she cares and will go above and beyond to make sure that your stay here will be top notch. She never has a bad mood; she is always smiling, and I would love to thank her for caring for me and checking on me while I was here. I will miss you; you are the best Karni!”

“Her comforting voice, persistent smile, and efficient care allowed (the patient) to focus on recovery and returning to the lifestyle she enjoyed before her medical event,” another nomination said.

“Karni was one of the first nurses we encountered upon our arrival,” another said. “She made our transition a smooth and comfortable process; she truly is a professional with attention to detail. The routine activities and care were made special with the touches she provided. When I asked what (the patient’s) medications were, Karni printed a colorful matrix showing the medication name, dosage, and time. When our young grandkids visited, she engaged with them in conversations and even explained the purpose of the various devices. She shared her memories of growing up in Nebraska, as we shared ours in Chicago. As (the patient) had issues answering questions, Karni introduced a card with a yes/no function that offered an alternative way to respond. Karni would also stop by even when (the patient) was not her assigned patient. Her comforting voice, persistent smile, and efficient care allowed (the patient) to focus on recovery and returning to the lifestyle she enjoyed before her medical event.”

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