Forrest Health Names DAISY Award Winner for June

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – (July 05, 2024) Forrest Health has named Makayla Morgan, RN, ICU, as its DAISY Award winner for June. The DAISY award, which is presented monthly to a deserving nurse or nurses, exemplifies clinical expertise and compassionate care and is recognized as a role model in the nursing community.­

Makayla recently cared for her nominator’s mother in the ICU. “My mother was cared for by a wonderful team of nurses and providers,” the nominator said. “Makayla worked the 7pm – 7am shift. Mom was extremely ill, and we were very anxious. I would stay with her at night when my anxiety seemed to be at the worst. Makayla was always there to comfort me, and help ease my fears. She went out of her way to explain our mother's condition, and to keep us abreast of any changes with her illness. 

 
“Our Mom passed away on the evening of May 20. Makayla was so sweet, kind, and compassionate. Prior to Mom’s passing, Makayla printed off copies of our mom's heartbeat, placing the EKG strip in blood tubes and wrapping them so they wouldn't break. As busy as she was this evening, she took the time to think of us as a family. This EKG strip is a precious memory of our mother that will be treasured forever. 

“Nurses who are in the profession because they truly care about the patient are hard to find these days. Makayla has a heart for nursing, and this is quite evident in how she presents herself, takes care of her patients, and how she comforts and supports the family members. Makayla truly deserves recognition as a DAISY winner.”

Makayla, who received her degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, has been employed at Forrest General for five years as of July 1. The Oakville resident chose a career in nursing because it is something she has always had a passion for. She was in school studying Engineering, when she changed her major the first semester in, because she took a First Responders class at Ole Miss. “I remembered what I actually loved and decided to get back into it,” she said. “It’s something I really enjoy, and I love being there for people at their worst possible time, and being there for their family members.

“One of my favorite things about working in ICU is being able to be a voice for the patient when they can’t speak for themselves and being there for their family members.” Makayla said she had always realized how important that was, but it became more apparent to the mother of 8-month-old twins when they were hospitalized two weeks after they were born with RSV. “My little boy was on the vent for five days,” she said. “After he was on the vent for that long and being there with wonderful professional healthcare providers, it brought it all back home. I believe that has made me a better nurse, because I know what it is like to be on both sides of the situation. I think that is why I put patients’ families in such a high priority and take the little steps to do extra things to help them remember their loved ones and get them to help with small things, so they feel like they are involved.”

“A compassionate and committed nurse, like Makayla, and others, who have been nominated for and honored with the DAISY Award during the past year, are an integral part of what makes Forrest Health such a caring place for your healthcare needs,” said Debbie Sanford, Forrest General Hospital Interim Chief Nursing Officer. “I am so proud of Makayla and how hard she works to make our Forrest Health patients feel appreciated and cared for in such a warm manner.”

To nominate a nurse for a DAISY Award, visit www.forrestgeneral.org/daisy. 

ABOUT FORREST HEALTH

Forrest Health is a system of healthcare organizations formed to increase access to quality health care in south Mississippi. Forrest General Hospital is its flagship hospital. In addition to Forrest General, Forrest Health hospitals include: Highland Community Hospital, Picayune; Jefferson Davis Community Hospital & Extended Care Facility, Prentiss; Marion General Hospital, Columbia; Pearl River County Hospital & Nursing Home, Poplarville; Perry County General Hospital, Richton; and Walthall General Hospital, Tylertown. Forrest Health is also home to The Orthopedic Institute and Institute of Neuroscience, both in Hattiesburg, as well as a variety of healthcare clinics throughout its 19-county coverage area.