Compassion
Kindness, empathy, and genuine human connection can make difficult days easier. DAISY nominations recognize nurses who treat patients with dignity, respect, and understanding.
Extraordinary Nurses. Unforgettable Care.
The DAISY Award at MCHD
About the award
Recognizing Extraordinary Nursing Care
The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors nurses whose clinical excellence, compassion, and dedication leave a lasting impact on patients and families. Martin County Hospital District is proud to recognize nurses who go above and beyond in caring for others during life's most important moments.
The DAISY Foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died from complications of an autoimmune disease. His family created the foundation as a meaningful way to thank nurses for the extraordinary care they provide every day. DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.
Recognizing meaningful moments
Every Nomination Tells a Story
Every DAISY nomination begins with a personal experience. Whether it was a reassuring conversation, an act of kindness, expert clinical care, or support during a difficult moment, your story helps recognize nurses who make a lasting difference for patients and families.
Clinical excellence
Nursing combines knowledge, critical thinking, sound judgment, and attention to detail. The DAISY Award honors nurses whose skill and professionalism make a meaningful difference in patient care.
Lasting impact
A thoughtful gesture, extra time spent listening, or calm reassurance can stay with a patient long after treatment ends. A nomination helps ensure those moments are seen and remembered.
Who can nominate
Anyone Can Recognize an MCHD Nurse
Patients, family members, visitors, coworkers, providers, and community members may submit a DAISY nomination. You do not need medical knowledge or formal language. Simply describe what the nurse did, how they helped, and why the experience stayed with you.
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Patients
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Family members
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Visitors
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Coworkers
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Providers
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Community members
What makes a DAISY nurse
Care That Goes Beyond the Expected
DAISY nurses stand out not only for what they do, but for how they make patients and families feel. A strong nomination describes a specific moment, action, or pattern of care that demonstrates compassion, skill, trust, and meaningful connection.
Builds meaningful connections
Takes time to listen, understand concerns, and make patients and families feel seen.
Involves patients in their care
Explains options clearly and helps patients feel informed, respected, and included.
Educates with patience
Makes complex information easier to understand without rushing or dismissing questions.
Works well with the care team
Communicates effectively and supports coordinated, thoughtful patient care.
Goes beyond the expected
Recognizes needs that may not appear on a checklist and responds with initiative and care.
Leads with compassion
Treats people with dignity, empathy, and kindness during vulnerable moments.
MCHD DAISY honorees
Stories of Care Worth Recognizing
MCHD’s DAISY honorees were nominated for specific moments of care that left a lasting impact on patients and families. Read their stories and learn what made their nursing stand out.
May 2025 DAISY Award Honoree
Keelee Stanislaus
Keelee took time to understand what one patient missed most while recovering from a serious injury. Her thoughtful effort to bring joy and familiarity into his hospital stay became a moment his family would not forget.
Read Keelee’s Story
December 2025 DAISY Award Honoree
Tanya Fortner
Tanya helped a patient make sense of a confusing collection of medications by sorting, labeling, and organizing everything with patience and care. Her work gave the patient and his family clarity, confidence, and a safer way to manage his health.
Read Tanya’s StoryRecognize extraordinary nursing care
Help Us Celebrate Nurses Who Make a Difference
Every act of compassion has a story. If an MCHD nurse made your experience more comfortable, gave you confidence during a difficult time, or showed meaningful kindness, we invite you to share your story through a DAISY Award nomination.