Phoebe Sumter Nurse Honored with DAISY Award for Compassionate Care and Patient Advocacy
Americus, GA | October 13, 2025 – Phoebe Sumter Medical Center recognized Whitley Perkins, RN, of the Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum (LDRP) unit, as the fall recipient of the DAISY Award, a national recognition honoring nurses who demonstrate extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care.
Whitley was nominated by multiple patients and family members who described the difference she made during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Across every nomination, the same themes emerged: attentiveness, clear communication, and genuine compassion.
One patient who needed a C-section said Whitley “made such a difference” in her experience from beginning to end. When it was time for the patient’s epidural injection, Whitley stood directly in front of her, held her hands and talked her through the procedure.
“In such a vulnerable and scary moment, having her there made me feel safe and cared for. I never once had to wonder where my nurse was or whether I would be able to get help when I needed it. Whitley was consistently in and out of my room after surgery, checking on me, making sure I was comfortable, answering my questions and explaining what was happening and what to expect,” the nominator wrote.
The patient added: “There are so many things about the day my daughter was born that I will always remember, and Whitley is genuinely one of them. She took what could have been an overwhelming and frightening experience and made me feel supported, reassured, and cared for every step of the way. She is exactly the kind of nurse every patient hopes to have during one of the biggest and most vulnerable moments in their life.”
Another new mother shared that Whitley prepped her for labor and returned the next day to care for her after delivery.
“She has been the best post-partum nurse. She came every time I called, helped me clean up, and reassured me through every process. She also explained every medication before distributing it to me. I recommend Whitley every single time,” she wrote.
A family member described how Whitley treated their family “with kindness, patience and compassion,” making sure her sister was heard and comfortable and easing her fears whenever she felt uneasy.
“Due to her dedication, professionalism and heartfelt compassion, she made me and my family’s visits (long nights) much easier. She truly embodies what it means to be an exceptional nurse,” a family member of the third nominator wrote.
A fourth nominator noted that Whitley came in right away any time her daughter called, explained every medication before giving it and completed her rounding and bedside report.
“Whitley would definitely be someone I would want to take care of me,” the fourth nominator wrote.
“Whitley exemplifies what it means to put patients first. Her patients feel seen, heard, and cared for, and that is exactly what the DAISY Award was created to recognize,” said Kelsey Reed, DNP, PSMC Chief Nursing Officer & Chief Operating Officer.
There were 17 other nurses that were nominated along with Whitley that were recognized during the presentation.
Honorable Mentions
Acute Care 1: Sheketta Wakefield, Johnny Walker and Kori Hembree
Acute Care 2: Lori Brooks, Donna Brown, Amanda Cannon and Shacara Hawkins
Intensive Care Unit: Kim Barnes and Carrie Hawkins
Emergency Center: Bryson Langford
Outpatient Surgery: Meg Usrey, Kathy Wimberly, Leslie Thompson, Lisa Adkins, Tara Phillips and Terri Maxwell
The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors the extraordinary work nurses do for patients and families every day. Phoebe remains committed to recognizing the outstanding contributions of nurses who make a lasting difference in the lives of patients and families. If you know a deserving Phoebe nurse, visit www.phoebehealth.com/nursing/daisy-award to submit a nomination.