It’s rare to find long-term care nurse Christy Fliss serving residents in the daylight in Canby, Minnesota.
“It’s fulfilling being that person to light them up. Make them feel good,” said Fliss, who’s coming up on nine years at Sanford Health Sylvan Court.
The single mom of three is normally a charge nurse on the night shift. And a remarkable one at that.
“As an administrator, we can get calls any time of the day, any time of the night,” Jason Anderson said. “When I know Christy’s on, I just have a sense of calmness. I know everything’s going to be OK. I know everything is going to be taken care of. She just is thorough in her job.”
The DAISY Award
Attention to detail, willingness to help others and Fliss’ kindness are a few reasons why teammates surprised her with The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses.
“It was awesome. It made me feel great. I’m just so glad that they all think that way of me. Makes me feel good,” Fliss said. “I never want to be that nurse that somebody’s scared of or doesn’t feel comfortable coming and asking questions to.”
Jason adds, “I’d love to duplicate, replicate her and the families, the residents, the staff, they appreciate Christy so much.”
‘Before anything, be kind’
It’s because the former CNA turned LPN treats others like family.
“It’s rewarding knowing that you’re that comfort to the residents when they need it the most,” Fliss said.
“The other night I was in the room with a 103-year-old and something silly had happened and she laughed so hard. I have never heard her laugh like that. It was the greatest thing. It was just like hearing your kids. That genuine laugh. Just moments like that, the residents make it the best job.”
Showing pride in her work, Fliss hopes to lead by example for years to come.
“I always want to be what I want my kids to be. I want them to look up to me and be like, ‘Oh, Mom was always really good at that and she always tried her best.’ I always tell them before anything, be kind,” Fliss said.
Her hope is for “everybody to feel comfortable around me and know that they can count on me.”
Learn more
- Long-term care nurse surprised with DAISY Award
- Nursing staff thanks LPN, a caregiver at home and work
- 100 acts of kindness celebrate 100 years of care
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Posted In Awards & Recognition, Canby, Here for all. Here for good., Nursing and Nursing Support, Senior Services
