Saline Health System honors nurse, patient care tech with DAISY and BEE awards

Nominations highlight compassion, professionalism and exceptional support

BENTON, Ark. (Sept. 14, 2026) – Saline Health System has recognized two team members for providing exceptional care and support to patients through its quarterly DAISY and Be Exceptional Every Day (BEE) awards.

Katelyn Arnold, registered nurse in the emergency department at Saline Memorial Hospital, received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, while Kayla Weston, patient care tech on the fourth floor, received the BEE Award.

The DAISY Foundation established the DAISY Award more than 20 years ago to recognize nurses who provide extraordinary care to patients and their families. Arnold was nominated by a patient’s family member who described the care she provided during an especially difficult loss.

The nomination praised Arnold for being a steady source of comfort and kindness during the family’s grief, treating their baby with dignity and giving the family the time and space they needed to process what was happening. The family also highlighted Arnold’s gentle manner, patience and willingness to remain present without making them feel rushed or like just another case.

“Katelyn’s care reflects the heart of what the DAISY Award is meant to recognize,” said Chief Nursing Officer Josh Orzel. “She understood that this family needed more than clinical care. They needed time, compassion and someone willing to be fully present with them. The dignity and kindness she showed will stay with this family, and we are incredibly proud of her.”

The BEE Award complements the DAISY Award by recognizing exceptional team members in non-nursing roles. Weston’s nomination praised her positive attitude, professionalism and willingness to help, noting how much the patient and family appreciated her support throughout their experience.

“Kayla shows how every member of our team contributes to the patient experience,” Orzel said. “Her professionalism, positive attitude and readiness to help bring comfort and confidence to the patients and families we serve. We are proud to recognize the difference she makes each day.”

About Saline Memorial Hospital

Saline Health System, a part of Lifepoint Health, is made up of Saline Memorial Hospital, a 177-bed acute care facility, and Saline Clinics, a network of primary care and specialty clinics. Saline Memorial Hospital has been caring for Saline County and its surrounding communities for more than 70 years. Saline Memorial Hospital is proud to be recognized as a Leapfrog Grade “A” Hospital for its commitment to patient safety. The hospital is accredited through The Joint Commission for meeting quality and safety standards, the American College of Cardiology as a Chest Pain Center, the MBSAQIP as a bariatric surgery center, Optum in the Bariatric Centers of Excellence network, CARF as a rehabilitation center and the AASM as a sleep center.

More information about Saline Memorial Hospital is available at 501.776.6000 or online at SalineMemorial.org. More information about Lifepoint Health is available at LifepointHealth.net.