A very special congratulations are in order for Patricia Borchert, LPN, at Columbine West Health & Rehab, who was honored with the prestigious DAISY Award on October 31, 2025. This award provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a nurse whose compassion and skill profoundly touch the lives of our residents, their families, and her fellow team members.
The DAISY Award honors exceptional, compassionate nurses and the uniquely meaningful moments of care that profoundly impact people around the world. In a surprise gathering, members of the Columbine leadership team, along with the staff at Columbine West Health & Rehab, came together to honor her.
The surprise was made even more special by the arrival of her husband, who joined the celebration to share in the proud moment.
For Chelsea Peterson, RN, Patricia was more than just a colleague; she was a mentor whose actions inspired her own career path. She shared a powerful story from her time as a CNA working alongside Patricia.
Her dedication often extends beyond her scheduled hours. Chelsea noted, “She frequently stays late to help with admissions, making sure every new resident is cared for, settled, and never made to feel like a burden. She always takes the time to ensure no detail is overlooked and that families feel supported during transitions.”
Chelsea’s nomination beautifully summarizes the impact Patricia has on everyone around her: “Patricia is not only an exceptional nurse, but she is also a mentor, a role model, and the kind of caregiver who reminds us all why we chose this profession. She exemplifies everything the DAISY Award stands for, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.”
“One night, we had a resident fall and break her femur – it was a traumatic and overwhelming experience. The resident was hard of hearing, had severe dementia, and was understandably panicked. I remember feeling scared and unsure of how to help. But Patricia stepped in with calm, confidence, and extraordinary compassion. She comforted the resident with such grace and patience, meeting her where she was, both emotionally and cognitively.”
Watching Patricia handle such a challenging situation with empathy and professionalism left a lasting mark. Chelsea added, “Watching Patricia in that moment – how she handled such a difficult situation with empathy and skill – left a lasting impression on me. It was one of the key moments that inspired me to pursue my nursing career.”
We are incredibly proud to have Patricia Borchert as part of our Columbine Health Systems family. We extend our deepest gratitude to her for her service, her leadership, and the genuine kindness she shares with our community. Please join us in congratulating Patricia on this well-deserved honor! To find out more about this meaningful recognition program, you can visit www.daisyfoundation.org.