In an award-winning hospital with over 450 employees, what does it take to be named a top-performing staff member? The answer comes in the form of a cheerful, dedicated, and deeply compassionate nurse named Brenda Cox, RN, and Neosho Memorial’s BEST High Performing Staff Award recipient.

Small in stature and big in heart, Brenda has been an integral part of patient care since 1991. Over the decades, she has not only provided exceptional care to hundreds of patients in the Intensive Care Unit, but has also served as a mentor, teacher, and friend to colleagues and nursing students alike.

“Brenda is not only a great asset to our nursing team in the ICU, but she is also always happy to jump in and help other departments whenever needed,” shared Lynsee Relph, NMRMC Inpatient Services Director. “She’ll frequently stay late or come in early to support her coworkers, especially when they have obligations outside of work. Brenda is a treasure trove of knowledge, and she’s always eager—and willing—to share it.”

What sets this mother of three and grandmother of five apart isn’t just her tireless work ethic or clinical skill; it’s the joy she brings with her. “Coworkers frequently comment how fun Brenda makes the shift regardless of how difficult the shift may be,” Lynsee added.

“She is an excellent teacher, encouraging staff and students to ask questions and grow in confidence,” she continued. “It is extremely rare to see her without a smile on her face.”

This positivity has touched the lives of countless families over the years. One mother, whose son was a patient under Brenda’s care, wrote a heartfelt letter that earned Brenda her second DAISY Award, a national honor given to nurses who demonstrate extraordinary compassion.

“There is one person who did something that is impossible to repay,” the mother wrote. “Brenda Cox has always been an extraordinary RN. But it takes a special person who would go to war in spectacular ‘momma bear fashion’ alongside this mom.”

She continued, describing a moment when her son suffered a difficult emotional moment and she, for the first time, found herself unable to calm him.

“But Brenda came to our rescue without hesitation,” she wrote. “She kept him safe and both of our dignity intact. I don’t know what I would have done without you, Brenda. I will forever be in your debt.”

Patient care moments like this, combined with Brenda’s laughter, empathy, and ever-present smile is the reason why Brenda Cox, RN, received the BEST High Performing Staff Award at NMRMC