Rapid City Hospital honors Tanner Thorfinnson

RAPID CITY, S.D.  – Tanner Thorfinnson, Registered Nurse with the Intensive Care Unit at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital, has been recognized with the prestigious DAISY Award. A national program, the award is presented to nurses across the United States who go above and beyond for their patients and community.

Tanner was nominated by a former patient, a truck driver who was passing through Rapid City for work. While at a truck stop, he became very light-headed from a bleed. He underwent a procedure and spent a couple of days in the hospital. The patient was worried, in part because his semi’s main power switch was still on and needed to be shut off so the engine wouldn’t develop severe issues.

“I had no way of getting these things taken care of while I was here in the hospital, as no one could help me out,” the patient said. Another nurse suggested that Tanner, on his day off, could go to the truck stop and shut off the power switch. “(Tanner) came to the hospital to get my keys and instructions … He also came into my room to introduce himself and make sure he knew exactly what needed to be done,” the patient said.

“I cannot thank Tanner enough for what he did to go above and beyond his typical nursing duties to help a random stranger out,” the patient added. “He proved to me that day what an extraordinary nurse does. His kindness will never be forgotten.”

The DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses recognizes those who display dedication to the health and wellness of their patients. The DAISY Award was established by the DAISY Foundation in California in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 of an autoimmune disease. DAISY is an acronym for “diseases attacking the immune system.” The DAISY Award continues to recognize and celebrate the outstanding professionalism and compassion that nurses bring to patients and their families every day. Monument Health honors nurses in all markets with the award.

About Monument Health
Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., Monument Health (formerly Regional Health) is a community-based health care system with a mission to make a difference, every day. The system offers care in 33 medical specialties and serves 20 communities across western South Dakota and in eastern Wyoming. With over 4,500 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health is comprised of 5 hospitals, 8 specialty and surgical centers and more than 40 medical clinics and health care service centers. Monument Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

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Stephany Chalberg
Public Relations Manager
Strategic Marketing and Communications
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schalberg@monument.health