Deida named St. Francis Caring Kind Award recipient

GRAND ISLAND — CHI Health St. Francis recently honored Beth Deida, RN, as the 2026 Caring Kind Award recipient. Recipients of this prestigious award go above and beyond the call of duty displaying outstanding patient compassion, collaborative teamwork and an unwavering commitment to professional excellence. Deida, a clinical educator in the maternity center, has dedicated her service to St. Francis and the community for more than 22 years.

Annually, one employee is selected from staff nominations to represent St. Francis at the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) Annual Convention. NHA has paid tribute to more than 2,000 of Nebraska’s most caring and dedicated health care workers since 1979 at the event. 

The following are excerpts from Deida’s nominations:

-Beth’s ability to lead diverse, impactful projects, coupled with her infectious passion and innovative spirit, makes her an undeniably deserving candidate. She doesn’t just manage; she inspires, innovates, and elevates everyone around her.
-Beth has impacted our hospital by developing “Beth's Bootcamp,” an ingeniously designed training program for new Labor and Delivery nurses. This initiative, born entirely from her proactive leadership, transforms novice nurses into confident, competent caregivers. She also wrote multiple grant applications to secure funding for a birthing manikin capable of simulating critical, life-threatening obstetric scenarios. This is not just a training tool; it’s a commitment to clinical excellence and patient safety, directly attributable to Beth’s vision and perseverance.
-Beth leverages social media digital platforms to amplify the incredible work being done at St. Francis, fostering a sense of community pride and transparency. Her consistent and enthusiastic communication acts as a powerful external voice for our organization.
-Beth’s leadership is the driving force behind our Memory Care Project. This initiative, under her guidance, is dramatically improving the safety and quality of life for our most vulnerable memory and dementia care population. 

Other St. Francis 2026 Caring Kind Award nominees included:

Whitney Dubas, RN, Emergency Department
Alexis Helzer, RN, Medical/Surgical, Pediatrics, Orthopedics
Baylie Knouse, RN, Medical/Surgical, Pediatrics, Orthopedics
Christina Martinez, RN, Medical/Surgical, Pediatrics, Orthopedics
Debra Rakosky, LPN, Cardiac Cath Lab 
Brooke Schmitt, RN, Director, Medical/Surgical, Pediatrics, Orthopedics

For more information about The Caring Kind Awards, visit: www.nebraskahospitals.org/education/the-caring-kind-awards.html