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The DAISY Award®
The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award® for Extraordinary Nurses is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 from complications of the autoimmune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP). During his hospitalization, his family deeply appreciated the extraordinary compassion and clinical excellence shown by his nurses. In gratitude, they created the foundation as a lasting and public way to say “thank you” to nurses everywhere.
At Murray-Calloway County Hospital, a nurse is honored with the DAISY Award® twice each year. Every DAISY® Honoree is recognized at a public ceremony and receives a certificate, award pin, hand-carved sculpture, a bouquet of daisies, and a pan of cinnamon rolls — Patrick’s favorite food. The Barnes family hopes that whenever nurses smell that aroma, they pause and remember how special and valued they are.
In addition to serving as role models for the profession, DAISY Award® Honorees:
- Provide compassionate, high-quality nursing care
- Foster a patient and family-centered experience
- Create a culture that empowers and supports all team members
- Demonstrate passion for the work they do in service to their community
You can say thank you to an exceptional nurse by nominating them for The DAISY Award® and sharing your story of how they made a difference you will never forget!
Nominate an Extraordinary Nurse
Anyone — patients, visitors, and all MCCH team members — may nominate an exceptional nurse by following the link below.
To learn more, visit DAISYFoundation.org.
