What Makes an Exemplary Nurse?

Recognize a nurse that has touched your life with a DAISY Award nomination

“In late 1999, at the age of 33, Patrick awoke with some blood blisters in his mouth. Having survived Hodgkin’s Disease twice, he was admitted to his nearby hospital and diagnosed with the autoimmune disease ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura). During those weeks, we experienced the best of nursing,” said Bonnie Barnes, Patrick’s mother.

“We were there to see the fast thinking of nurses who saved his life more than once, that nursing excellence that took years to hone to the best of the profession. We were awed by the way the nurses touched him and spoke with him, even when he was on a ventilator and totally sedated. The way they informed and educated us eased our minds. They truly helped us through the darkest hours of our lives, with soft voices of hope and strong loving hugs,” she added.

Inspired by this extraordinary nursing care, Bonnie started a foundation to honor her son shortly after his death. The DAISY Foundation, which stands for “diseases attacking the immune system,” recognizes nurses for the gifts they give to their patients and patients’ families every day.

The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care of nurses. Roswell Park is proud to be one of the newest DAISY Award partners, and will recognize one inpatient nurse and one ambulatory nurse with this special honor every quarter.

“A smile and ‘thank you’ are the easiest ways to show appreciation for the great care a patient receives from our nurses,” said Pamela McLaughlin, RN, BSN, Assistant Magnet Coordinator for Nursing at Roswell Park. “Patients now also have the opportunity to recognize a Roswell Park nurse who goes above and beyond by nominating them for the DAISY Award.”

What makes a great nurse?

View the video above to hear firsthand from Roswell Park’s nurses about why their job is gratifying and what sets Roswell Park’s nursing and patient care apart.

Then, if you know a nurse that personifies nursing excellence with his or her attitude, dedication to clinical excellence and demonstrated empathy for patients and families, nominate him or her for a DAISY Award today.

“Each DAISY Award Honoree at Roswell Park will be recognized at a public ceremony and will receive a certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a hand-carved stone sculpture entitled ‘A Healer’s Touch,’" added McLaughlin. “We want to thank all our patients and families for their continued support of our nursing program and all the dedicated nurses who are part of the Roswell Park team.”