The DAISY Foundation was formed in November 1999 in memory of J. Patrick Barnes who died at age 33 of complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The DAISY Foundation's program goals include funding research and evidence-based practice projects that impact treatment of patients with auto-immune diseases and providing education around ITP.
The DAISY Award was created in 2001 by Barnes family members who wanted to recognize the nurses that cared for Patrick and all the other "unsung heroes" of the nursing profession across the country.
DAISY Award honorees are nominated by nurses, administrators, peers, physicians, volunteers, patients and families. Each nurse who is honored receives a handsome certificate, a DAISY Award pin and a unique hand-carved Shona stone sculpture entitled "A Healer's Touch." The sculptures are especially meaningful because of the profound respect the Shona people pay their traditional healers. The DAISY Foundation purchases the sculptures from Zimbabwe and the money has become a tremendous support to the artists and their families.
We are proud when compassionate care is exemplified because we have nurses that our patients, their families and our staff recognize as role models. Nursing excellence has become a standard, not a goal.
Please use the short form below to nominate a staff nurse, nurse leader or nurse-led group and be sure to describe the situation or interaction that motivated you to nominate.
For more information on this award, go to DAISYFoundation.org