Daisy Winner Noah Cannon's Knowledge and Instincts Led to Lifesaving Outcome

Noah Cannon, RN, is an Emergency Department nurse and our first Daisy Award winner of 2026.

The details of his lifesaving intervention were documented in his Daisy Award nomination letter: 

On Nov. 20, 2025, Noah Cannon's critical thinking, clinical assessment, and strong rapport with the Emergency Department team directly contributed to saving a patient's life. Initially, Noah was caring for what appeared to be a straightforward case: a patient with NSTEMI receiving heparin, a scenario he had managed many times before.

Demonstrating vigilance, Noah remained at the bedside and identified concerning nuances in the patient’s presentation — specifically the nature and location of pain, as well as trending vital signs. Trusting his clinical judgment, Noah escalated his concerns to the provider, who acted on his suspicion and ordered a CT scan. The scan revealed a Type A aortic dissection.

The patient and many of his family members attended Noah's Daisy Award ceremony.

The nomination letter goes on to say:

This outcome underscores more than routine nursing care. As a newer nurse in the department, Noah has invested significant time outside of work studying, asking questions, and engaging in discussions with providers. His dedication has fostered a collaborative and trusting relationship with the care team. In this case, Noah’s confidence in his knowledge and instincts proved pivotal. Rather than dismissing his observations or remaining silent, he advocated for the patient — preventing a fatal outcome.

The patient had already been assigned a PCVU bed under the assumption of a straightforward NSTEMI. Because Noah spoke up, the care plan shifted, and the patient was taken to the operating room for lifesaving surgery. Noah’s actions exemplify the profound impact of clinical vigilance, continuous learning, and professional collaboration in nursing practice.

ED manager Matthew Poulson wrote the following about Noah:

Noah’s time at Benefis is a remarkable example of dedication, perseverance, and continuous professional growth. He embodies the values of our organization and consistently demonstrates excellence in every role he has held.

Noah began his career at Benefis in Laundry Services, later stepping up as a door screener during the COVID pandemic. This led him to the Emergency Department, where he progressed from critical care technician to nurse intern and ultimately to registered nurse. Each transition was marked by notable personal initiative and an impressive commitment to learning.

What has always set Noah apart is his relentless drive to learn and grow. From his earliest days as a CCT, Noah sought out learning opportunities well beyond what was required. He frequently challenged himself — and even the nurses and providers — through thoughtful questions, clinical curiosity, and a commitment to mastering new skills. This self-driven approach allowed him to excel in each position and laid a strong foundation for his success as a nurse.

As an RN, Noah’s clinical knowledge base is extraordinary, especially for someone early in their nursing career. He has a unique ability to recognize subtle changes in patient presentation, anticipate evolving clinical situations, and advocate confidently for his patients. His critical thinking and clinical insight consistently elevate the quality of care delivered in the Emergency Department.

Beyond his impressive clinical skillset, Noah is a compassionate and dependable colleague. He supports his co-workers, communicates clearly, and contributes to a positive team-based environment. Patients and staff alike benefit from his calm presence, professionalism, and genuine desire to help others.

Noah's progression in his medical career is not over yet. He has his sights set on medical school. 

We would like to recognize Noah for his dedication to providing excellent patient care, his passion for expanding his knowledge and skillset, and his five years of dedicated service at Benefis.

To nominate a nurse for the Daisy Award, click here.