McKenzie Health Honors Orven Garcia with Spring 2025 DAISY Award

May 21, 2025

Released by:  McKenzie Health

McKenzie Health Honors Orven Garces with DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing

Watford City—McKenzie Health is proud to announce Orven Garces, a dedicated surgical nurse, as the recipient of this year’s DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. This national recognition celebrates nurses who provide outstanding, compassionate, and skillful care — qualities Orven exemplified during a recent surgical case that left a lasting impression on both patient and family.

Orven, a certified nurse in Orthopedic Nursing (ONC), ambulatory perianesthesia (CAPA) and postanesthesia care (CPAN), was nominated by the mother of a 13-year-old patient who had his tonsils and adenoids removed. She described Orven’s care as nothing short of exceptional. As her son awakened from anesthesia, frightened and in pain, Orven remained by his side, offering comfort and ensuring he received timely medication. He transformed a stressful experience into one filled with laughter, reassurance, and warmth.

“My son joked several times that Orven deserved a raise because he felt so comfortable and taken care of,” the mother wrote in her nomination. “He didn’t leave my son’s side unless it was to get something quickly for him. As a mother, I appreciate what Orven did in that hour more than words can convey.”

Orven’s clear communication and genuine empathy not only provided excellent clinical care but created a meaningful experience for the patient and his family — a hallmark of what the DAISY Award celebrates.

“Orven exemplifies nursing excellence through compassionate care, clinical excellence, and has a continuous drive for professional growth,” said Surgical Services Director, Marnelli Calicdan. “He brings a rare blend of skills and adaptability and elevates both patient outcomes and team morale. He is a bubbly and vibrant team player who is ready to help anywhere he is needed and loves to sing and dance, spreading positive energy throughout the unit.”

“We are honored to have Orven on our team,” said McKenzie Health, CEO Pete Edis. “His actions reflect the best of what nursing is all about. He embodies our mission to deliver patient-centered care with compassion, and this recognition is well deserved.”

About the DAISY Award:
The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. McKenzie Health is proud to be a DAISY Award partner, recognizing one of our nurses with this special honor in May and December each year. Nominations may be made in writing at any one of our kiosks within McKenzie Health or online at mckenziehealth.com/daisy-award/

About McKenzie Health:
McKenzie Health is committed to quality services, continuity of care, assurance of qualified staff, and family involvement for individual patients and clients. Headquartered in Watford City, ND, the organization consists of a 24-bed Critical Access Hospital, Rural Health Clinic, Specialty Clinics, Urgent Care, Good Shepherd Home (long-term care), Horizon Assisted Living, and Connie Wold Wellness Center.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Lynn Welker-Fevold, MMHC, ACHE
307-399-4145
lwelker@mchsnd.org