Please join us in congratulating Leana Owens, a HealthTrust RN within our North Carolina Division and winner of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses for March, 2026! Read on to hear Leana's thoughts about winning, what keeps her motivated, her words of advice to new nurses, and more.
Delivering Care & Compassion in Challenging Times
A favorite of patients, families, and co-workers alike, Leana is known for her compassion and patience, and for bringing an impressive level of professionalism, knowledge, and organizational skills to her job, each and every day.
And those skills are especially appreciated by families and patients, who describe Leana as caring, gentle, friendly, and funny, providing not just top-notch care but compassion and a genuine human touch during difficult times.
For her part, Leana also thrives on the bonds she builds with those under her care, drawing motivation from "knowing I helped people feel 'at home' while they were in a vulnerable state, and that I was able to make a difference in their care," she told us.
And that's why winning the DAISY Award — which started with multiple nominations from patients and families — means so much to her.
It “means everything to me ... knowing that I was able to make patients I took care of feel safe and comfortable makes me feel rewarded,” she said, adding that she's also gratified "when patients come back and know that they are in good hands, and that I will do everything I can to ensure they get the best care."
Bonding with Patients, Families & Co-Workers
Currently working at Transylvania Regional Hospital in North Carolina, Leana has worked in healthcare for seven years, and with HealthTrust for a little over three.
“I’m very thankful for my facility, the team I work with and friends I have made there while being at the hospital,” she told us.
Indeed, as much motivations as she draws from the bonds she makes with patients and families, Leana is also quick to praise her teammates, and give them equal credit for her DAISY Award.
“It couldn’t happen without the night shift team that I have at that hospital,” she said. “I have stayed there so long because they’ve made me comfortable, and have helped when I have needed it myself.”
And for others professional on their own healthcare career journey, Leana offers more words of motivation advice, in which her drive to create a meaningful bond with patients and families shines through.
“I would say to never lose compassion,” she said. “There are times where things can get rough, or you think you may not be getting the results you want. But patients can recognize the effort you put into their care, especially if it’s just being at their side and being their advocate.”
Ready to Deliver Care that Makes a Difference?
One again, congratulations to Leana Owens and to all of our DAISY Award-winning superstars! You can learn more about the award here, and you can find new career opportunities at the nation's best nursing jobsite.
