HaysMed
In celebration of the extraordinary care and compassion nurses provide every day, HaysMed proudly announced the recipients of this year’s DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. This prestigious honor is part of a nationwide program that recognizes nurses who go above and beyond in delivering exceptional patient care.
The 2025 DAISY Award recipients truly embody the compassion, clinical excellence, and unwavering dedication that define nursing at HaysMed. Presented during National Nurses Week, these awards highlight the inspiring work of our newest honorees and the meaningful difference they make in the lives of their patients and colleagues.
Joben Rieth, chief nursing officer and vice president for patient services at HaysMed, shared his appreciation: “It’s truly a privilege to recognize Amber Thompson, Lea Staab, and Kaylyn Bustillos with the DAISY Award. These incredible nurses represent the very best of what it means to care—with compassion, skill, and a deep commitment to their patients and teams. Watching them make a difference every day is inspiring, and we’re so proud to celebrate their dedication and heart.”
Meet the HaysMed 2025 DAISY Award Honorees:
Amber Thompson, RN - Surgical Floor
Amber was nominated by a patient's family. Here is what they said:
“Amber is an amazing nurse from the moment we got here, up to the minute we left. She explained what was happening and described what to expect and what the process would be every step of the way. It felt like she was part of the family and took extra time to ensure we were informed that our loved one was taken care of. Can't say enough good things about her and the staff at HaysMed. Great experience in a very stressful and emotional environment.”
Lea Staab, RN- Special Nursing Services/Vascular Access
Lea was nominated by a patient. Here is what they said:
"I have had Lea before as she has assisted me before in the Special Nursing Services at Hays Medical Center in Hays. I have always enjoyed her presence and company while she performed these services. I think the small kind gestures by Lea go a long way, not just being a great nurse, but a great person. I am one who never forgets when people go out of their way to help me. I also think Hays Medical Center should be grateful to have a nurse like Lea."
Kaylyn Bustillos, RN- Intensive Care Unit
Kaylyn was nominated by a patient's family. Here is what they said:
“My father is in the ICU at Hays Medical Center. It's been a yo-yo ride with highs and lows every single day. When we were told they were going to put him on ventilator, the family was terrified and heart broken. We were scared, we were confused, and had questions. Within the very first minutes of meeting Kaylyn, our fears of care were gone. She was patient with us, she was confident in her abilities, she was caring, she was sympathetic to our situation. Over the next day or so I observed her as she cared for my dad. We saw her talking to him, comforting him, making sure to adjust his position, etc. all while not knowing she was being watched. "Integrity is always doing the right thing even when nobody is watching." We are very blessed and grateful for her, her skills, her over, and her integrity. Thank you Kaylyn... From my family and from our deepest hearts. Wishing you the very best... You deserve it!”