Congratulations to Danielle Baker, CNA, for being named the DCH 2026 Q3 Pillar Award Winner!

Your nomination by your coworkers state:

“Danielle is a coworker that will go above and beyond for her team. She is the backbone of our unit. Danielle does the little things that may seem easy to some, but it truly helps keep us afloat. She makes sure things are stocked, appointments made, call lights answered, messages are given and all while watching cardiac rhythms. She deeply cares about the job she does and takes great pride in doing a job well done. Yes, that maybe her “job” but the knowledge, leadership, and teamwork make her standout. The best examples I have for Danielle: when a nightshift aide calls in, Danielle will stay and get vitals for the nightshift nurses so they don’t have to start their shift in a rush. Danielle feels that helping out her teammates will help our patients and boost morale. Another example I have is when we had a hospice patient. The patient was seen by Heart to Heart earlier in the day. The patient was given a bath by them. Danielle went in later to see the patient to tell the patient bye. Danielle noticed that the patient looked unkept. So, Danielle stayed over to give the patient a bath and make sure the patient’s hair was combed and oral care was provided. Danielle’s response, “That was the right thing to do. I couldn’t bear to see her looking like that.” The patient’s loved ones were very appreciative of her care.

Recently, we had a family member that really wanted the patient to have a shower. The patient was weak and getting her the wheelchair and to the shower took quite some time. Danielle showed patience and compassion. The patient kept apologizing for her weakness and Danielle never once made her feel like a burden. Danielle took her time and chatted with the patient about the patient’s life. Once she got her to the shower, Danielle made sure the patient was comfortable. Again, Danielle took her time, making sure she was clean. The patient was so appreciative of the compassion and thoughtfulness. She talked about the amazing shower she had all day to anyone that would listen. The patient stated, “it has been a very long time since I have actually taken a shower. I can’t get into the shower at home so I do sponge baths. That shower was so amazing. That Danielle is an angel.” 

"I could write a book about all the little things that Danielle does and the compassion she shows our patients. She is mentor to our new aides, preceptor to some, but friend to all. She is truly deserving of this award.”

Whether through your dedication to patient care, your support of your colleagues, your focus on efficiency and stewardship, your commitment to service excellence, your contributions to organizational growth or your engagement in our community, you represent what it means to be a Pillar at DCH.

Thank you for your hard work, your integrity and the steady support you provide to our team and those we serve. We are grateful to have you as part of the DCH family!

Congratulations again on this well-deserved award!