Pat Baker, RN, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital – Mount Vernon and SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Centralia, was recently honored with the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award for the exceptional care she provided patients and families throughout her 43-year career with SSM Health in Southern Illinois.
Pat is widely recognized by peers as a strong leader and skilled problem solver who consistently drove operational efficiency while fostering employee engagement, professional development, and continuous quality improvement. She cultivated a collaborative, high-performing nursing environment grounded in excellence and innovation, championing evidence-based practices and enhanced both patient outcomes and the overall patient experience.
Pat’s colleagues shared opinions on her leadership, professionalism, patient advocacy, accountability, passion for nursing, and eagerness to always go above and beyond.
Pat retired this year after her remarkable four-plus decades of service. She continues to volunteer with SSM Health in Southern Illinois, further solidifying her passion and unwavering commitment to our patients, families, and staff.
The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33; the care Patrick received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. DAISY stands for diseases attacking the immune system.
Learn more about the DAISY Award at www.daisyfoundation.org.
