Garrett "Luke" Duncan, a registered nurse who provides care at St. Mary’s Neuroscience Critical Care Unit, has received St. Mary’s systemwide DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence.

Duncan was nominated for the award by a patient's family member who appreciated the respect and tenderness he delivered, even though the patient was rarely even conscious.

"When he spoke to her, he did so with love and care in his voice," his nominator states. "When he needed to do some medical task, he did so with a calm and tender touch. Nurse Luke treated her in a way that one might treat their own well-loved mother, though he had only known her for a few days."

Duncan's care extended to the family, too. "Luke was gentle, informative and understanding when talking to us about what was happening and what the next steps might be. His care with us, as family members and loved ones, was impressive."

“Luke is a tremendous nurse and a valued member of our neuroscience critical care team,” said Barbara Kelley, Director of Critical Care, Respiratory, Cardiac Rehab, Wound Care, Vascular Access and Clinical Education. "He has a caring heart and epitomizes the compassionate care we strive to provide at St. Mary's."
Duncan lives in Morgan County near the town of Rutledge. He completed his nursing education at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro and joined St. Mary's in October 2019.

“Receiving the DAISY Award is something that a nurse can take with them for their entire career,” said Ann Gomes, director of Orthopedics and chair of St. Mary's DAISY Award Committee. “It’s special for every nurse who receives it. We are proud of all our nurses, but especially proud of Luke and our DAISY Award recipients.”