DAISY Awards
Nurses every day go above and beyond to not only provide patients and families with excellence in clinical care but also compassion. The DAISY Foundation honors them by showing profound gratitude for all that they do. The DAISY Award is a recognition program to celebrate and recognize nurses by collecting nominations from patients, families, and co-workers. It is a way to thank nurses for the care and kindness they provide.
About the DAISY Award
In 1999, Patrick Barnes was diagnosed with ITP, and throughout his eight-week hospitalization, his family witnessed extraordinary nursing care filled with compassion and kindness, which profoundly impacted them during their difficult time. After Patrick’s death, to honor his memory and acknowledge the exceptional care they received, his family initiated The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses. This program, started by Pat’s wife Tena under the DAISY acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, was established to express gratitude towards nurses for their compassionate care. Originating at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance at the University of Washington Medical Center, where Patrick was treated, The DAISY Award has grown into a significant initiative for recognizing nursing excellence globally, enhancing nurse recruitment, retention, and resilience across numerous healthcare and educational institutions.
How it works
How are nurses nominated for the DAISY Award?
Nurses can be nominated by anyone. In the healthcare setting, nominations come from patients, family members, other nurses, physicians, clinicians, or staff – who experience or observe extraordinarily compassionate care being provided by a nurse. In the academic setting, nominations are submitted by students, preceptors, faculty, staff, or alumni.
What does the DAISY Award recipient receive?
After the DAISY Honoree has been selected, the Honoree’s peers, leadership, nominator, and sometimes friends and family are all invited to attend the WSU College of Nursing Commencement where the award will be given.
The Honoree will receive a certificate a DAISY portfolio, a beautiful hand-carved Healer’s Touch Sculpture from Zimbabwe, an Honoree pin, a copy of their nomination, and a gift bag.
After the presentation, the Honoree is added to the College of Nursing website and the DAISY website, and the recipient may be eligible for numerous professional development, education, and wellness benefits.
