The DAISY Award: Celebrating Nursing Excellence
Healthcare relies on the quiet strength and dedication of nurses. These professionals guide patients through some of their most vulnerable moments. The DAISY Award exists to capture these moments of grace and give nurses the recognition they deserve.
If you want to understand what makes nursing a true calling, you only need to look at the stories of those who receive this honor. This article explores the meaning behind the DAISY Award, recognizes two recent exceptional winners at AMN Healthcare, and explains how you can nominate a nurse who has made a difference in your life or the lives of patients.
Understanding the DAISY Award
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is an international recognition program that honors the super-human work nurses do for patients and families every day. The acronym DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The family of J. Patrick Barnes established the DAISY Foundation after he passed away at age 33 from an autoimmune disease. They were so deeply moved by the compassionate care Patrick received that they created this award to say "thank you" to nurses everywhere.
This award holds immense significance in the nursing profession. It shifts the focus from purely clinical metrics to the human side of healthcare. It reminds nurses that kindness and advocacy matter just as much as their technical skills.
To win a DAISY Award, a nurse must exemplify specific core values. While facilities may have their own distinct criteria, winners usually share a few common traits:
- They display extraordinary acts of kindness and compassion for patients and their families.
- They contribute to a healthy and supportive work environment.
- They actively improve the patient experience and bring innovative ideas to the table.
- They inspire community passion and provide motivation to their peers.
Meet Our Featured Award Winners
AMN Healthcare partners with the DAISY Foundation to celebrate nurses and nurse leaders who bring these values to life. Here are two recent recipients who showcase exactly what it means to lead with both heart and expertise.
Melissa "Emily" W.: Motivating Her Team
Emily W. is a Stepdown Cardiac and Telemetry RN who recently completed an assignment at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. She became a nurse in February 2020, driven by her own diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes. She explains, "I know firsthand how scary and life-changing a new diagnosis can be. I love to educate and find ways to help others and offer comfort with compassion and kindness."
Emily won the DAISY Award for the incredible support she offered her fellow colleagues. Nursing is a team effort, and her nominator shared that Emily consistently went above and beyond to help the staff nurses at her facility when their patient loads grew overwhelming.
She always showed up with a warm smile and a helping hand so frequently that her coworkers nominated her for their own internal award. They recognized her for demonstrating respect, care, competence, and joy. Her impact proves that great nursing extends beyond your own patient assignment; it means lifting up the entire care team.
Dr. Melani B.: Compassion Navigating Complex Care
Melani B. is a Case Management Nurse with an impressive 25-year career. She is a published professional, a mentor, an entrepreneur, and a passionate advocate for healthcare policy. She provides testimony on healthcare and nursing bills in the Maryland General Assembly, which earned her recognition in the Capital Gazette, Associated Press, The Doctors (television show), and The Washington Informer (newspaper).
In 2022, she was named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by the Daily Record, a 2022 recipient of the First Annual Distinguished Career in Nursing Award from Chamberlain College of Nursing, 2021 Official Citation from Senator Arthur Ellis, Maryland General Assembly, for her “Immeasurable Impact on the Profession of Nursing in Maryland”, and 2020 Year of the Nurse Outstanding Mentorship award from the MNA.
During her assignment at Bronxcare Health System, she demonstrated how valuable case managers are to the patient journey.
Melani received the DAISY Award after a glowing nomination from a patient's family member for stepping in to support them with efficiency and empathy. She successfully guided the family through the administrative web of securing post-rehabilitation and skilled nursing needs, alongside managing the patient’s internal health care requirements at Bronxcare.
The family noted her professionalism, cheerful disposition, and "can do" approach to problem-solving. Melani provided peace of mind during a highly stressful transition.
As her career progresses, Melani shared with us that she intends to work directly with state and federal legislatures to strengthen quality healthcare for all.
How the DAISY Nomination Process Works
Recognizing excellence in nursing is a powerful way to give back to those who give so much of themselves. The DAISY Foundation and its partners rely on patients, families, and colleagues to share their stories.
When you nominate a nurse, you help validate their hard work and emotional investment. The process is simple: A steering committee reviews the nominations, looking for stories that highlight extraordinary compassion, exceptional clinical skills, and a commitment to patient advocacy.
Nominate a Deserving Nurse Today
If you have witnessed a fellow nurse make a patient feel safe, listen to their concerns, advocate for their needs, or support a family during a difficult time, sharing that experience is a powerful way to show your appreciation. Your words can reignite a colleague's passion for their work and remind them exactly why they chose this challenging, beautiful profession.
Want to nominate an AMN Healthcare nurse or nurse leader? Take a few moments to share your story and honor the exceptional care you witnessed.
