Dana Walker, RN, has been named a “Care as It Should Be” Award Recipient by Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN). As part of this national recognition, she will receive a cash award to use to further her education or celebrate with her team. TCN supports nonprofit serious illness providers across the country with programs and services that allow them to better serve patients and advance their charitable missions.

Dana is a humble leader who is always looking for ways to empower those around her and help them grow in knowledge while developing skills to reach their full potential as caregivers. Her holistic approach to care makes her stand out. While many hospice and palliative care providers are deeply committed to the holistic needs of their patients, she tunes in to the unspoken needs of patients – to be heard and recognized.

Dana's dedication to her patients is inspiring. She will do almost anything for them, and their happiness is what brings joy in the work she does every day. From dressing up as a superhero or creating an unforgettable fishing trip to creating one more lasting memory, she has a knowing that it may be the final time her patients and families share these precious moments.

She has worked for Carolina Caring for many years, but it didn’t take her long to realize our patients and families needed a reason to smile, to laugh, and just enjoy life’s fun moments. That was when she had the idea to bring the fun to them. “It all started with reindeer ears at Christmas, bunny ears at Easter, and flocking yards with plastic flamingos during the summer,” says Dana. “To see the smiles and hear the laughter truly is the best medicine.”

Her passion for providing care is matched only by her thirst to learn. She consistently collaborates with physicians, social workers and other nurses and nursing aides in order to best deliver comprehensive care. She is always honing her skills to provide excellence in what she does for each patient encounter.

Dana is dedicated to serving people from all walks of life and has developed personal insights about what it means to be truly helpful. She advocates on behalf of caregivers - young and old, rich and poor, as well as family members at any point during the patient’s journey. She cares deeply for each individual person and is thoughtful, both professionally and personally, when interacting with her patients with gives consideration towards cultural sensitivity.