Nursing Opportunities
Change text size
What is The DAISY Award?
The DAISY Award recognizes exceptional service in nursing. It was created by The DAISY Foundation to recognize the clinical expertise and compassionate, extraordinary care exhibited by nurses every day. The award is presented on a regular basis to an outstanding nurse in more than 175 health care organizations across the United States.
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. The DAISY Foundation is dedicated to funding research to help fight diseases of the immune system, like the one that struck Patrick, and supporting ITP patients and their families. 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.
The DAISY Award recipient is recognized with a framed certificate, a DAISY Award signature lapel pin and a hand-carved stone sculpture entitled "A Healer's Touch". Additionally, the service area of the recipient will receive cinnamon rolls — a favorite of Patrick's during his illness — with the sentiment that the heavenly aroma will remind them how special they are and how important their work is.
Recipients of the DAISY award personify MeritCare's commitment to provide a remarkable patient experience by consistently demonstrating service excellence through clinical expertise and extraordinary patient-focused care. DAISY award winners are also recognized by their peers as outstanding role models.