Two Tidelands Health nurses receive prestigious DAISY Awards for outstanding care

Two Tidelands Health nurses have earned prestigious DAISY Awards, a national recognition honoring nurses who deliver extraordinary clinical care and compassion to patients and families.

Mike Lotito, a registered nurse in Critical Care at Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital, and Christina Loader, a registered nurse on 3 West at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital, were surprised with the awards during celebrations on their units.

Lotito was honored for the compassionate care he provided to a patient with a complex medical condition and worried family members. 

According to his nomination, Lotito’s ability to explain medical information in a clear, understandable way helped ease the family’s concerns and build confidence in the patient’s care plan. Even after the patient was transferred out of critical care, Lotito continued to check in on the patient and family, an act of service they all appreciated.

“He was able to relay what was going on in terms the family could understand,” the nominator wrote. “He really went the extra mile, and we were very thankful and appreciative.”

Loader received the award for the comfort, reassurance, and education she provided to a patient and spouse before a cardiac procedure. Her nomination highlighted the time she spent answering questions, explaining the procedure in detail, and even using pictures to help the family understand how a heart stent works.

“Christina didn’t just care for us, but cared about us,” the nominator wrote. “She went out of her way to make sure we had clarity, comfort, and confidence during a very stressful moment.”

The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors nurses for the skilled and compassionate care they provide to patients and families. The DAISY Foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died from complications of an autoimmune disease at age 33.

“Mike and Christina exemplify the extraordinary compassion, professionalism, and commitment to service that define nursing at Tidelands Health,” said Ashley Capps, vice president of operations and chief nursing officer. “Their dedication to patients and families makes a meaningful difference every day, and we are proud to recognize them with this well-deserved honor.”

About Tidelands Health

Tidelands Health, in collaboration with MUSC Health, is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 70 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.