August’s DAISY Award recognizes nurse for extraordinary care, compassion for patient facing terminal diagnosis

When a patient learned he had terminal cancer, he wished to get some fresh air and told his nurse. She found a way to get him outside, bringing him comfort and peace.

Her actions to care for her patients’ entire well-being didn’t go unnoticed.

In recognition of her extraordinary care, Addyson Halcomb, RN, Critical Care Unit, has been named Reid Health's DAISY Award recipient for August.

“Addy exemplifies the true spirit of nursing through her extraordinary compassion, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to her patients,” said her nominator, Victoria Vance, Charge Nurse for the Critical Care Unit.

Vance wrote in the nomination that during an already demanding shift caring, Halcomb chose to go above and beyond for a patient who had just received the devastating news of a terminal cancer diagnosis.

“In one of the most vulnerable moments of her patient’s life, Addy took the time to truly listen and understand what would bring him even the smallest sense of peace,” Vance said.

“When he shared getting fresh air would mean everything to him — never expecting it to be possible — Addy made it happen without hesitation. The joy and relief on his face in that moment spoke volumes about the impact of her kindness.”

The simple act made a meaningful difference for the patient.

“What might have seemed like a simple gesture became a profound act of dignity, humanity, and healing,” Vance said.

“Addy doesn’t just care for her patients’ medical needs — she cares for their hearts and souls. Her consistent ability to bring light into her patients’ darkest days is nothing short of inspiring, and she’s deeply deserving of recognition through the DAISY Award.”

Vince Kennedy, Interim Chief Nursing Officer, said Halcomb’s actions demonstrate the impact compassionate care can have on patients and families.

“Nursing is about more than providing excellent clinical care,” Kennedy said.

“It's about recognizing each patient's unique needs and finding meaningful ways to bring comfort, dignity, and hope. Addyson's willingness to make a patient's wish a reality reflects the kind of compassionate, patient-centered care we strive to provide every day.”

Halcomb joined Reid Health in August 2021 as a nursing care assistant (NCA) on the Orthopedics and Urology Unit before transferring to the Critical Care Unit. The Eaton, Ohio, resident earned her degree in nursing from Edison College in January 2025 and completed Reid Health’s Nurse Residency Program.

Now in her second year of nursing, she said receiving the DAISY Award reminded her how meaningful it is to care for others during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

“I’ll never be able to fully express the gratitude I felt when I was honored with the DAISY Award,” Halcomb said. “It was an incredibly meaningful and humbling experience to know the care, compassion, and dedication I strive to provide to each of my patients made such an impact.”

“Our patients are often experiencing some of the most frightening and uncertain moments of their lives, and I believe it’s my responsibility to care for not only the patient but also the person and family behind the diagnosis.”

Halcomb strives to treat every patient as she’d want a loved one to be treated. She wants her patients and their families to know they aren’t alone, and she’ll advocate for them, even in challenging situations.

“Working in critical care has taught me going above and beyond is often found in the moments that might seem small — sitting at the bedside when a patient is scared, taking the time to explain what’s happening when a family member feels overwhelmed, advocating for a patient’s needs when they can’t speak for themselves, or simply being a calm and reassuring presence during a difficult situation,” she said.

Being part of Reid’s critical care team has allowed Halcomb to grow as a nurse and person.

“I’m proud to work alongside nurses who are knowledgeable, compassionate, and willing to show up for both our patients and each other,” she said.

“Those are the moments that remind me how fortunate I am to be a critical care nurse and a part of Reid.”

Each DAISY recipient receives a certificate, a pin, and “The Healer's Touch” sculpture recognizing extraordinary nursing compassion.

The DAISY Award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide to patients and families every day. To learn more about the DAISY Award or submit a nomination, visit https://reidhealth.org/For-Employees/Employee-Recognition/Daisy-Awards.