Central Region

"In my opinion, it is the greatest honor a nurse could receive to be nominated by a patient or their family. They are the reason we do this amazing job!"

“I was very surprised to be acknowledged at my hospital for the care that I honestly feel I am expected to provide to my little patients each shift. Taking care of children is very rewarding in itself. But to receive the DAISY Award actually validated and celebrated what I feel the motivation of a nurse should be towards her patients. Hearing the story submitted by a parent of a patient that I had cared for was a reminder of the effect and impression we can have on our families. Having administration, management, and co-workers be a part of the presentation was awesome. I felt so proud to be a nurse! Both the statue and a silk replication of the flowers that I was given as a DAISY Award winner still grace my fireplace mantle. When I look at the statue, it reminds me of Patrick's story, and the real reason that I am a nurse.”

"Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, a touch that never hurts." -Charles Dickens

"When I first learned of the DAISY program I was immediately touched personally. My son has an autoimmune illness and I can only imagine what Patrick Barnes went through. In coordinating our program I felt called to help implement this wonderful program as nurses deserve the recognition of the compassionate care we provide to our patients. With each award that is presented the nurses are always humble and honored to be recognized as a nurse who took the time to be with the patient. Thank you, Barnes Family for such a wonderful program."

"As a DAISY Coordinator I get to read all the incredible stories of all our wonderful and compassionate nurses that go above and beyond expectations to meet the needs of our patients and their families. I love having the chance to thank them for all they do and give them the recognition they deserve."

“When I received my DAISY Award for Excellence in Nursing in 2012 it represented both the pinnacle of my nursing career and the sense of heartfelt warmth that only fellow nurses know when being acknowledged for doing what we all do best and realizing that some of those unheralded, financially unrewarded deeds were noticed and respected!! I was truly surprised, amazed and awed by the process and the warm ceremony that involved my family and co-workers. I am inspired to carry on this work so other nurses can experience the truly remarkable sense of their impact on our patients whom we love so much.”

“I love reading through the nominations from patients and families validating the great care we deliver at MH-TMC. Our monthly presentations are exciting and our winners are so humble. I am so proud to work side by side with such nursing partners!”

“The DAISY Award was a wonderful award to receive because it rewarded me for providing compassionate care to my patients. This award is very special because it is not about my degree or academic achievements. The DAISY Award is about how I care for my patients and shows that my patient's family and my co-workers see how much I love to care for others.”

"It is a joy and privilege to serve as our DAISY Coordinator and true blessing to be a part of such a remarkable program which recognizes nurses for the compassionate care they provide each and every day – not because they are directed to; but because it is who they are and because of the passion they share for their fellow man. A DAISY nurse is an extraordinary nurse because they keep the focus on the patient and family; maintaining the humanistic reality of nursing in focus. I have had the honor of meeting the Barnes family and hosting Tena as a guest presenter during one of our DAISY celebrations; all are truly amazing individuals who have impacted nursing far beyond what they can even imagine - what a blessing for our profession and a beautiful tribute to Patrick."

"I am so grateful for the recognition I received as I strive to care with the utmost compassion. It definitely brought tears to my eyes to hear how appreciated I am by the families I care for and my coworkers, who support me during harder days."