The DAISY Award

The DAISY Award logoThe DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® is a recognition program to celebrate and recognize nurses by collecting nominations from patients, families, and co-workers. Starting in 2024, Brookings Health System selects two of our nurses for the award as a way to thank our nursing team for the care and kindness they provide.

Nominations are accepted year-round. Anyone who experiences or observes extraordinarily compassionate care or clinical excellence from a nurse may submit a nomination.

Any licensed or registered nurse employed by Brookings Health System who is involved in direct patient care may be nominated for The DAISY Award.

Nurses can be nominated by anyone who experiences or observes extraordinarily compassionate care or clinical excellence demonstrated by a nurse, including:

  • Patients
  • Family members
  • Medical staff
  • Fellow employees

Nurses who are nominated should have:

  • Made a special connection with the patient and family 
  • Serve as a role model for the nurse profession
  • Function as an integral member of the team
  • Commit to the highest standards of clinical care
  • Went above and beyond

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.