If you’ve ever heard a colleague say, “I was nominated for a DAISY Award,” and wondered what that really means, or whether it could ever be you, this is for you.
The DAISY Award isn’t just about recognition. It’s about honoring the essence of nursing. And I believe every nurse, no matter their role or setting, has the potential to receive it.
What Is the DAISY Award, and Why Does It Matter?
The DAISY Award was created in 1999 by the family of Patrick Barnes, a young man who died of an autoimmune disease. During his hospitalization, his family witnessed firsthand the incredible compassion, skill, and humanity of the nurses who cared for him. They didn’t want those extraordinary moments to fade away, they wanted to say thank you in a way that would live on. And so, The DAISY Foundation was born.
DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, but today, its meaning transcends the acronym. It has become an internationally recognized program that honors nurses for something deeper than task completion or technical skill; the ability to touch lives in profound, human ways.
More than 5,000 health care organizations and schools of nursing across 30 countries participate in the DAISY Award program. Each nomination is a powerful testament to the nurse’s impact, not in grand gestures, but in deeply felt presence and compassion. Being nominated means that someone experienced your care in such a meaningful way, they took the time to write it down.
What Makes the DAISY Award So Special?
In a health care world where metrics and outcomes often dominate the conversation, the DAISY Award reminds us what matters most, human connection. This award isn’t about being the most senior nurse on the unit. It’s not about awards already won or initials after your name.
It’s about how you make people feel when they are most vulnerable.
It’s about the nurse who advocates when no one else is listening. The one who explains things until they make sense. The one who offers a calm hand, a kind word, or simply stays present when there are no answers.
To be nominated for a DAISY Award means that your presence, your being, not just your doing, made someone feel seen, safe, or supported. It means you changed someone’s story for the better.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Any licensed registered nurse can be nominated. Yes, any. Whether you’re in acute care, long-term care, public health, education, or still in school, you are eligible. This award is not about your title, it’s about the impact you have.
What Happens After You’re Nominated?
Once submitted, nominations are reviewed by your organization’s DAISY Committee. Even if you’re not selected as that cycle’s honoree, every nomination is meaningful. Many organizations share the nomination with you in the form of a printed letter, a pin, or a personal note. Honorees typically receive a certificate, the hand-carved “Healer’s Touch” sculpture, and, yes, often cinnamon rolls for the unit.
How Can You Encourage DAISY Nominations?
We don’t campaign for recognition. But we can educate people about how to express their gratitude:
- Let patients and families know that DAISY forms exist.
- Keep cards or QR codes visible and easy to access.
- When someone thanks you or your team, invite them to write about their experience.
- And most importantly, believe that your work is worth recognizing.
Recognition starts when we own the value of what we do.
Why the DAISY Award Matters to Our Profession
In an era of high demand and complexity, moments of acknowledgment matter. When a patient or family member stops to reflect on how your care helped them cope, heal, or hope, they are reminding you of your purpose. This kind of recognition is more than a feel-good moment. It’s a professional affirmation.
One Final Thought
If you have ever made someone feel more hopeful, less afraid, or more understood, you are already living the spirit of the DAISY Award. Keep showing up with heart. Nursing isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present.
Whether you’re a nurse or work alongside them, take a moment to reflect: How do we recognize and celebrate the heart of nursing in our organizations?
Explore more on how we support nursing excellence here!
Sources:
https://www.daisyfoundation.org/daisy-award
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/for-patients-and-visitors/daisy-award-nomination
https://health.ucdavis.edu/nurse/daisy/
https://www.sarahbush.org/daisyaward/
https://chcm.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Inspiring-Nurses_DAISY.pdf
Gen is driven by the desire to help clients create organizational excellence through measurable improvement. She thrives on helping others reach meaningful goals, including Magnet® designation.