At Kona Community Hospital, we value and appreciate the dedication and compassion of our nurses. Every quarter, we recognize one outstanding nurse who goes above and beyond in nursing and provides exceptional patient care.
Thank A Nurse
If you’ve had a positive experience with one of our nurses and would like to express your gratitude, we invite you to fill out a nomination form. You can help us acknowledge these extraordinary individuals’ hard work and dedication by sharing your appreciation. Please submit your completed form via email to sgauron@hhsc.org. Your heartfelt thanks will be shared with the deserving nurse, highlighting their impact on patients’ lives.
You may also submit an online submission here.
🌼 Celebrating our DAISY Award Recipients
Join us in celebrating the incredible work of our nurses by checking out our DAISY Award Recipients. These exceptional individuals have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to nursing and commitment to delivering compassionate care.
2025, Q4 – Suzanne Pelham, RN
As a nurse, the highest recognition you can get is being called someone’s Florence Nightingale, and Suzanne earned that title through a masterclass in compassion. When her patient arrived on a late night in October, they were understandably scared—until Suzanne stepped in, pairing expert clinical care with the simple, human comfort of chatting about gardening and fruit trees. By managing complex medications with a smile that brought genuine ease to her patient, she proved that while medicine saves lives, it’s the heart behind the care that truly heals.
2025, Q3 – Ji Yeon Tanaka, RN
During an incredibly stressful ICU stay with her medically complex toddler and infant son, this family found comfort and reassurance through Ji’s compassion and professionalism. From the very first day, Ji took time to understand their unique needs, thoughtfully arranging accommodations that allowed the parents to care for both children while honoring hospital guidelines. Her clear communication, empathy, and calm presence eased a mother’s fears about remaining at a smaller hospital and built trust that extended beyond her own shifts. As the family prepared for discharge, Ji ensured every detail was addressed—medications, questions, and next steps—then personally walked them to their car, offering kindness in a moment of overwhelm. Through her attentive care and steady presence, Ji brought peace to a family during one of their most vulnerable moments.
2025, Q1 – Patrick Mariano
During a recent emergency room stay at Kona Community Hospital, this patient experienced exceptional care—but Patrick’s compassion stood out. Amid a full-capacity ER and the disappointment of canceling a long-anticipated trip to New Zealand, Patrick consistently checked in, offering comfort through simple, human moments—holding a hand, listening, and acknowledging the emotional weight of the situation. Even while caring for multiple critical patients and long after his shift had ended, he returned late at night to make sure the patient was okay before heading home. His thoughtfulness, presence, and genuine care reflect the meaningful improvements felt throughout the hospital and left a lasting impression during a difficult moment.
2024, Nurse Leader Award Dylan Palazzo
Dylan leads with equanimity—bringing calm, clarity, and compassion to even the most high-stress situations in Surgical Services. He listens without judgment, seeks input before acting, and supports his team in whatever way is needed, whether stepping into clinical roles, advocating for staffing, or being available at any hour. Especially during difficult cases, he prioritizes the well-being of his team by checking in personally and creating safe spaces for debriefing without fear or blame. Never motivated by title or recognition, Dylan focuses on lifting others, strengthening teamwork, and modeling a people-first approach that empowers individuals and elevates patient care at Kona Community Hospital.