BCHHC

May 2025

Autumn Fritz Recognized with DAISY Award

Beatrice Community Hospital Registered Nurse Autumn Fritz was recently honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

Autumn was nominated by Chevis Epp of Beatrice, a patient, who shared how Autumn provided compassion and kindness following a miscarriage that required additional care.

In her nomination, Chevis shared: “I would like to nominate Autumn for the DAISY Award for the incredible care, compassion, and kindness she showed me during one of the hardest days of my life. Autumn and I have known each other for years, but she was also one of my surgical nurses when I had a colposcopy to remove pre-cancerous cells several years back. “When I learned I needed a D&C (procedure) after my miscarriage, I prayed the night before that she would be my nurse again — that I would have a familiar, caring presence with me in the OR. God answered that prayer. When Autumn walked into my pre-op room, she told me that when she saw my name on the schedule, she was so happy to be there for me. From that moment on, she made all the difference in my experience.

“She was the one who wheeled me into the OR and got me settled on the table. When the anesthesiologist said he was starting my sedation, I became overwhelmed and started crying. Without hesitation, Autumn reached under the draping, took my hand, and comforted me as I drifted off. Later, my husband told me that when she brought me into recovery, even though I was still semi-conscious, she leaned in, hugged me, and I told her thank you for being there — which I don’t even remember. But that’s just who Autumn is.

“That day was overwhelming in every way —  being exposed, answering the same questions over and over, processing the reality that my body hadn’t even recognized the miscarriage, and having my baby physically removed from my womb. Autumn’s presence and compassion made all the difference. She turned a moment of deep grief into one where I felt seen, cared for, and supported.

“Autumn embodies everything that the DAISY Award represents. Her kindness, empathy, and ability to provide comfort in such a difficult moment are what make her an extraordinary nurse. I will never forget the way she showed up for me, and I know she does the same for countless others. She is so deserving of this recognition.”

Autumn was honored at a special presentation on May 6 in the Surgery Department, surrounded by family and co-workers. She received a bouquet of daisies, a pin and the Healer’s Touch sculpture. In the tradition of DAISY Award celebrations everywhere, cinnamon rolls were served in honor of J. Patrick Barnes, for whom the Daisy Foundation and the Daisy Award were founded. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.

The BCH DAISY Award winner was chosen by a committee of community members. BCH presents two DAISY Awards annually - one in May during Nurses Week and one in November.

To learn more about the DAISY Foundation, visit https://www.daisyfoundation.org/

To nominate a BCH Nurse for a DAISY Award, visit https://beatricecommunityhospital.com/daisyaward