Lower Keys Medical Center Recognizes Outstanding Employees
5/8/2026
Lower Keys Medical Center hosted an awards ceremony honoring Sara Squire, R.N., and Jean Pierre, environmental services housekeeper, for the care and service they provide to patients and staff.
Sara Squire, a registered nurse who specializes in wound care, was nominated for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses by a patient who had an extended hospitalization for recovery after a surgery. Tina Moody of Key West noted Sara’s patience, clinical skill, and deep compassion.
“Sara made an extraordinary difference in my recovery. She never rushed, never made me feel like I was asking too many questions and always ensured I understood each step. Her calm, patient teaching transformed something frightening into something manageable,” Tina said. “As she cared for my surgical wound, her expertise and gentle approach made it far less stressful. She paid close attention to the healing process and explained what she was doing and why. Her thoroughness and consistency gave me real confidence that I was healing properly. Although Sara covers the whole hospital, she always made me feel like I was her only patient. She gave her full attention, listened carefully, and treated me as a person, not just another room number. She didn’t just treat my wounds, she cared for me.”
Sara was presented with a hand-carved Healer’s Touch sculpture, a DAISY certificate, and a signature bouquet of daisies. The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died in 1999 from complications of an autoimmune disease. His family was inspired to create the Foundation to honor nurses who make a profound difference in the lives of their patients and families.
Jean Pierre, night shift housekeeper in environmental services, was nominated by multiple nurses in labor and delivery for the Sunflower Award, which recognizes non-nursing staff who contribute significantly to the patient care team and provide exemplary patient care.
Coworkers said, “Jean is proactive in rounding on the units to see if we have any needs. He takes care of the nurses and patients by always coming to clean and remove trash and always goes above and beyond, leaving our rooms spotless so we can welcome the next patient. Jean always has a smile on his face and answers calls at night with no hesitation. He has been our night shift housekeeper for the last 19 years and every night he comes into work and checks to see if we need anything before he starts his shift. He is dedicated and passionate about the work that he does and has great customer service skills.”
Jean was presented with a Sunflower certificate, a Sunflower pin, and a bouquet of sunflowers at the reception.
City of Key West Vice Mayor, Donie Lee, who attended the reception, read and presented a proclamation honoring Nurses Week 2026.
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