BCHHC

 

Beatrice Community Hospital Registered Nurse Samantha Bruna 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.

Sam was nominated by Kaylee West of Beatrice, a patient, who shared how Sam demonstrated extraordinary compassion and care during the emotional delivery of her stillborn daughter.

In her nomination, West shared her story: “On April 10, 2025, my husband and I went into the hospital with contractions at almost 39 weeks, ready to meet our baby. Tragically, when we arrived, we learned that our baby had devastatingly passed away. From the beginning of her shift, Sam jumped in right away to make sure we were as comfortable and supported as possible given the heartbreaking circumstances.

“She suggested moving us to a more private room so we could have a more intimate and peaceful experience, and once we settled in, my labor began to progress. Sam was there every step of the way, answering our questions and helping us navigate the flood of emotions and thoughts swirling in our minds.

“That evening, I was given an epidural with her guidance to help manage the pain and was checked at 5 centimeters dilated. Unfortunately, the epidural didn’t work. Within just five minutes, I had progressed to 10 centimeters and our baby was coming.

“I wasn’t prepared for a natural birth, and fear took over - but Sam immediately sprang into action. She called the doctors, directed the nurses to prepare the birthing carts, talked my husband through what was happening and how he could help, and supported me through the most intense pain of my life. Just two minutes later, with Sam, my husband, and the anesthesiologist in the room, my water broke and our baby arrived. Sam was there to catch her.

“Our beautiful Maddie was born sleeping at 8:37 that evening. Sam treated our baby with the same love and care she would have shown any baby born into this world - talking to her, wrapping her gently, taking photos, and capturing her hand and footprints. She worked through the night to make sure we were cared for, that Maddie had a sweet outfit and soft blankets, and that we had everything we needed.

“On the worst day of our lives, Sam made things just a little more bearable. For that, we will always be grateful. Thank you, Sam, for everything - for helping Chris and me, and for loving our baby while she was with us in the hospital.”

The BCH DAISY Award winner is chosen by a committee of community members, who review the nominations without identifying names. BCH presents two DAISY Awards annually - one in the spring during Nurses Week and one in the fall.

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