Pat Baker, RN, Honored with DAISY Award

The DAISY Award celebrates and thanks nurses for the care and kindness they give.

Pat Baker, RN, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital - Mount Vernon and SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Centralia, was recently honored with the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award for the extraordinary nursing and exceptional care she provided patients and families throughout her 43-year career with SSM Health in Southern Illinois.

Pat is widely recognized as a strong leader and skilled problem solver who consistently drove operational efficiency while fostering employee engagement, professional development, and continuous quality improvement. She cultivated a collaborative, high-performing nursing environment grounded in excellence and innovation, championing evidence-based practices and enhanced both patient outcomes and the overall patient experience.

Pat's colleagues shared opinions on her leadership, professionalism, patient advocacy, accountability, passion for nursing, and eagerness to always go above and beyond.

"From staff nurse to manager to RN-Lead, Pat has made an impact each step. Here at Good Samaritan, here impact goes beyond these walls and the exceptional work she has done has impacted countless families in our community. Her contributions to quality improvement are among the most impactful in our community," said one team member.

Pat retired this year after her remarkable four-plus decades of service. She continues to volunteer with SSM Health in Southern Illinois, further solidifying her passion and unwavering commitment to our patients, families, and staff.

"In every way, Pat lives the mission of our organization," said another team member. "She serves with compassion, leads with humility, and pushes herself and her team to always strive for excellence. Her influence is felt not only in improved outcomes, but in the confidence, connection, and empowerment she cultivates among staff and within the community we serve. For these reasons and countless more, Pat is truly exceptional and wholeheartedly deserving of this award." 

 The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33; the care Patrick received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. DAISY stands for diseases attacking the immune system.

Learn more about the DAISY Award at  www.daisyfoundation.org/