What is a daisy award?

The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors the extraordinary work and compassionate care provided by nurses. It was created by the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Foundation, established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 from complications of an autoimmune disease.

The DAISY Award aims to recognize nurses who demonstrate the values of clinical skill, compassion, extraordinary care, and advocacy for patients. It celebrates the critical role nurses play in the healthcare system and gives patients, families, and colleagues the opportunity to express gratitude for their exceptional contributions.

Nominees for the award can include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners, and nursing faculty. Anyone, including patients, family members, healthcare providers, or colleagues, can nominate a nurse for a DAISY Award by submitting a nomination form describing their firsthand experience and the impact the nurse made.

Each month or quarter, depending on the healthcare organization, a committee reviews the nominations and selects a winner. The DAISY Award winner is then presented with a certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a hand-carved sculpture called the "Healer's Touch," symbolizing the care and compassion provided by nurses.

The DAISY Award has grown rapidly and is currently offered in thousands of healthcare facilities worldwide, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing schools. It not only recognizes individual nurses for their exceptional care but also helps to inspire and motivate others in the nursing profession.

Furthermore, the DAISY Foundation also has initiatives and programs like DAISY in Training Award, DAISY Faculty Award, and the J. Patrick Barnes Grants, all aimed at supporting and empowering nurses to continue providing extraordinary care.

Overall, the DAISY Award is a prestigious recognition program that showcases the remarkable work of nurses and highlights their role in healthcare.