TUPELO, Mississippi—North Mississippi Medical Center recently presented a DAISY Award to registered nurse Rebekah Townsend and a BEE Award to case coordinator Kearsee Foster, both of 3 West.

The pair were nominated by a coworker who observed their extraordinary actions at the end of a patient’s life. “His son was at his bedside, as he and the patient had just mended their relationship,” the nurse wrote in their nominations. “Rebekah was so loving and kind to this heartbroken son. She reassured him and educated him so beautifully while his father transitioned to the other side. Tears filled my eyes as I saw a grieving son with a nurse right by his side.

“Kearsee held him as he wept and constantly reassured him, and truly breathed life into this family member. Kearsee’s heart is nothing short of gold, and she treats everyone she meets with love and grace.”

The nurse went on to write, “This is what health care is all about—being everything a stranger needs in that time of need.”

Townsend joined the NMMC staff in June 2021 after earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus. She lives in Saltillo.

Foster is a licensed clinical social worker who joined NMMC’s Case Management team in 2015. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. She resides in Tupelo.

The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary compassionate and skillful care given by nurses every day. Nomination forms are available throughout NMMC or at www.nmhs.net/daisy-award. For more information, call (662) 377-3431 or email daisyawards@nmhs.net.

The BEE Award is given to a deserving caregiver each month at NMMC. Nomination forms are available throughout NMMC or at www.nmhs.net/bee-award. For more information, call (662) 377-3431 or email BEEAwards@nmhs.net.