Sierra Akin, a registered nurse who provides care in the Family Birth Center at St. Mary’s Hospital, has received St. Mary’s DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence. She was nominated by a new mom who praised her for the compassion she demonstrated in multiple moments of stress.

“Sierra made an immediate impact,” the mom wrote in Sierra’s award nomination. “One of the most meaningful moments came when I got overwhelmed and began to cry. Sierra stood right by my side, wiping my tears. In that moment, she became more than just my nurse – she became my emotional support and an advocate for my peace of mind.”

The nomination noted that Sierra’s compassionate care extended beyond the patient. “On her way out, she saw my sister, who was also emotional and crying, and Sierra got off the elevator to give her a hug. That small act of kindness touched my whole family. From that moment, it truly felt like she was part of our family.

“Sierra is everything you hope for in a nurse,” the mom concluded. “Everyone deserves a Sierra in their life and on their care team.”

“Sierra exemplifies the commitment of nurses across our ministry to provide high-level care with higher-level caring,” said Jackie Iley, Director of Women’s and Children’s Services. “She strives to make every mama she takes care of feel like they are one in a million. She loves on her patients and ensures they feel safe and cared for. She is their support and advocate as needed during one of the most meaningful moments in their lives. She loves to dote on her patients and pamper them!”

Akin is a resident of Jackson County who joined St. Mary’s in 2019.