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on 5/20/2026
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Spies has been a nurse in the emergency department at St. Anthony for more than four years and consistently delivers compassionate care to individuals during their most urgent and vulnerable moments.
The DAISY Award recognizes and honors the exceptional care provided by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified registered nurse anesthetists and advanced registered nurse practitioners. As a DAISY Award recipient, Spies was honored at a reception on Friday, May 15, attended by her family, friends, and coworkers. She received a certificate, a unique hand-carved Healer’s Touch sculpture from Zimbabwe, an honoree pin and a congratulatory banner that will hang in the emergency department throughout the year. In addition, she is eligible for professional development, education and wellness benefits associated with the award.
“Mariah exemplifies the spirit of our hospital’s mission every day in her interactions with patients,” says Allen Anderson, president and CEO of St. Anthony Regional Hospital. “She is committed to excellence in all she does and consistently prioritizes the health and well-being of patients during their most urgent times of need. We’re incredibly grateful to have her on our team, providing high-quality, compassionate care to the communities we serve. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement, Mariah.”
Spies was selected from nearly 40 deserving nominees from St. Anthony. Notably, she alone received three separate nominations. She was nominated by a patient she treated in the emergency department who was undergoing care for an infection. An excerpt from the nomination reads: “Not once did she forget about me or blow off my concerns, like I have had at previous facilities. She stayed on top of everything, making sure I had water to drink and warm blankets. Mariah was able to place my IV in the first time, which never happens, and answered all my questions. … She called the next day to check in on me, which was greatly appreciated. She helped distract me through the IV fluids and through the confusion and was such a sweetheart. I was so scared and upset, and she helped me calm my fears and talked me through everything. She deserves all the recognition and more.”
Spies earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Iowa. She resides in Templeton with her mother, Paula, and her dog, Maggie. Outside of nursing, Mariah enjoys cooking and baking.
Please join the St. Anthony community in congratulating Spies on this prestigious milestone and the exemplary care she delivers to patients every day.
About the DAISY Award
The DAISY Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by members of his family. He died at age 33 in late 1999 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, an autoimmune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique way of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and families.
To nominate a St. Anthony nurse for the DAISY Award, visit one of the kiosks in the hospital or fill out the online form at StAnthonyHospital.org/patients-visitors/visitors/daisy-award/.