Barbara Burgner, RN, and Lori Dather, RD, have been presented with the Diseases Attacking the Immune System (DAISY) and Be Exceptional Everyday (BEE) awards. 

Burgner, who works in Obstetrics, received the DAISY award based on a nomination by a new mom who credited Barbara for “going above and beyond” to help her overcome breastfeeding issues. 

The mother’s nomination read, “Barbara helped us feel confident and provided us with numerous resources.” Burgner’s support continued after the family left the hospital. “The first 24 hours have been a bit rough, but her wisdom and encouragement got us through it.” 

“There are so many awesome nurses on this unit who are deserving of the DAISY award,” said Burgner. “I try to give people the attention that they need to make sure they are breastfeeding well when they go home. I try hard to help moms get off to a great start.” 

Burgner and her co-worker, Nancy Embry, often address breastfeeding questions via text messages or cell phone after families are discharged. Both achieved their International Board Certified Lactation Consultant certifications in 2016.

Burgner joined Conway Regional in 2007, getting her start in Orthopedics before transferring to Women’s and Infant’s services in 2012, where she worked in several areas before becoming a lactation consultant. “Lactation consulting is something that I always wanted to do since becoming a nurse, but until I moved here the opportunity had never presented itself,” said Burgner. 

“It is pretty exciting that breastfeeding has taken off as well as it has. Mary Salazar has supported us all along and we have received encouragement from Matt Troup and Angie Longing. People are just supportive and that is very important for the community and me personally,” she said.

Dather, a certified dietitian, was awarded the BEE award, which honors non-clinical employees, during Conway Regional’s Sacred 60 leadership meeting. 

Dather is the director of nutritional services at Conway Regional. She received the award based on her accomplishments in Nutritional Services and the work ethic she demonstrates in the cafeteria. She was nominated by a co-worker.

“I was getting ready to get up and help hand out the award,” said a stunned Dather. “It was a complete surprise. I was just doing my job.” Dather often helps with cleaning, emptying the trash or running the dishwasher. “I want to set the example for my staff. I don’t want them to ever feel like they are out here on their own.”

Dather credits her Scandinavian/Norwegian heritage for her work ethic. “My grandmother worked as a church custodian until she was in her 80s and my parents have always worked really hard,” said Dather. “At the end of the day, I always want to feel like I have given it my best.”

The awards honor nurses and non-nurses for exemplary care and service provided to patients, families and co-workers. The DAISY award winners are also recognized by the national DAISY Foundation, which was established by the parents of J. Patrick Barnes, a patient who died from an immune disorder. The nursing care Barnes received profoundly touched his parents, who established the award in 1993.

Conway Regional presents the DAISY and BEE awards each quarter based on the nominations of patients, families and co-workers.