Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital is proud to announce that Casey Taylor, RN, has been selected as the hospital’s latest DAISY Award recipient. The DAISY Award recognizes nurses who deliver extraordinary clinical skills paired with deep compassion, and Casey — a Somerset resident and valued member of the Lake Cumberland team for nearly two years — embodies those qualities.

Casey’s nomination came from a grateful patient family who praised her patience, empathy and holistic approach to care. They noted that Casey not only addressed clinical needs but also took time to listen, comfort and advocate for their loved one during a difficult time. Colleagues describe Casey as a nurse who consistently goes above and beyond to support patients and families, earning both their trust and admiration.

Casey follows in the footsteps of LCRH’s second-quarter winner, Ashley Burton, RN, making these back-to-back recognitions a testament to the culture of compassionate, patient-centered care at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. Both Casey and Ashley exemplify the nursing excellence the DAISY Award was created to celebrate.

Ashley was selected as a quarterly DAISY Award recipient by the LCRH nurse leadership team after receiving numerous heartfelt nominations from patients and families who experienced her remarkable dedication firsthand. One patient described her as a “wonderful and precious nurse,” highlighting the impact she has on those she cares for.

With a decade of nursing experience, Ashley began her journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the neurology unit, where she honed her skills on the front lines of patient care. She then advanced through various roles in Neurological Medical Surgical and Critical Care before joining the Cath Lab seven years ago. Her extensive background and unwavering commitment to excellence have made her an invaluable asset to the LCRH team.

Outside of her professional achievements, Ashley lives on a farm in Nancy, KY, with her husband and two children. Her nurturing spirit extends beyond the hospital, as she passionately balances her dedication to her family while caring for her patients.

The DAISY Foundation, established in honor of J. Patrick Barnes, recognizes nurses for their exceptional contributions to patient care. Recipients of the DAISY Award at LCRH are celebrated during a special ceremony, receiving a certificate, a DAISY Award® pin, an exclusive parking spot, and a hand carved “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture. The celebration also features iced cinnamon rolls, a cherished treat of Patrick’s, symbolizing the appreciation for extraordinary nurses like Ashley and Casey.

Tanya Nelson-Hackney, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, CPPS, Chief Nursing Officer at LCRH, emphasized, “Ashley and Casey both embody the true spirit of nursing. Their dedication, compassion, and leadership have a profound impact on their patients and colleagues. We are thrilled to celebrate them with these well-deserved DAISY Awards.”

Patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to nominate exceptional nurses for the DAISY Award by visiting LakeCumberlandHospital.com/daisy-award.