Rick Heaton, a registered nurse who provides care as part of the nursing Float Pool at St. Mary’s Hospital, has received St. Mary’s systemwide DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence.

A resident of Lavonia, Heaton was nominated by members of a family who were grateful for the care he delivered to their loved one as she neared the end of life on St. Mary’s Intensive Care Unit. 

“I think about you and the care you gave my loved one during the final moments,” one family member wrote. “You truly were a light in the middle of darkness. We thank you for your kindness, dedication and healing touch. Thank you for always putting your patients first no matter how grueling your day. We thank you for providing an empathetic ear and compassionate hand when a life-changing diagnosis is delivered.”

“Rick is a marvelous nurse whose compassion for his patients and their families shines through every day. We are extremely proud of him and all of our DAISY Award recipients,” said Ann Gomes, St. Mary’s DAISY Award Committee coordinator and director of orthopedics at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens. “This award demonstrates the vital role nurses play not only as care providers at the bedside, but with families and colleagues as well. Congratulations, Rick!”