The DAISY Award

About The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation was established in 2000 by the Barnes family in memory of  J. Patrick Barnes who died from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura  (ITP) at the age of 33.  Having been touched by the remarkable care, clinical skills and compassion demonstrated by nurses during Patrick's illness, the Barnes family made it their mission to recognize exceptional nurses around the country. Click here to view a video of DAISY co-founder Bonnie Barnes explaining why she and her husband felt compelled to start the DAISY foundation and the DAISY award.

What is The DAISY Award?

The DAISY Award is a program that rewards excellence in nursing. It was created by The DAISY Foundation to recognize the clinical skills, extraordinary compassion and care exhibited by nurses everyday. The award is given monthly to outstanding nurses in more than 1,500 hospitals, in nine countries.

DAISY Award recipients are recognized at a public ceremony and receive a:

  • Framed certificate
  • DAISY Award signature lapel pin
  • Hand-carved stone sculpture entitled A Healer's Touch

Additionally, the unit or department of the recipient will receive cinnamon rolls – a favorite of Patrick's during his illness – with the sentiment the heavenly aroma will remind them how special they are and how important their work is.

Who is eligible for The DAISY Award?

DAISY Award recipients personify CMH's remarkable patient experience. These individuals consistently demonstrate excellence through clinical expertise, extraordinary service and compassionate care.

How to nominate an extraordinary nurse

Patients, family members, visitors, employees, volunteers and physicians can nominate a deserving nurse by filling out an online nomination form or by printing and submitting a hard copy of a nomination form.