2.1 History and Background

The DAISY Foundation was founded in 1999 by the Barnes family following the death of J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away at 33 from ITP. During his illness, Patrick and his family were deeply moved by the compassionate care provided by his nurses. This experience inspired them to create a program that would recognize and honor nurses for their extraordinary dedication and empathy in patient care. The foundation’s name, DAISY, stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, reflecting Patrick’s condition. Since its inception, the DAISY Foundation has grown into an international program, celebrating the profound impact nurses have on patients and their families.

2.2 Mission and Vision

The DAISY Foundation’s mission is to recognize and thank nurses for their compassionate care through the DAISY Award. Their vision is to create a global recognition program that honors nurses’ dedication, empathy, and clinical expertise. By celebrating the profound impact nurses have on patients and families, the foundation aims to inspire future generations of nurses and ensure that their contributions are acknowledged and valued worldwide.

Eligibility and Nomination Criteria

Nurses demonstrating compassionate care and clinical excellence are eligible for nomination. The program is open to nurses worldwide, with selections based on heartfelt stories and professional dedication.

3.1 Who Can Be Nominated?

Any registered nurse providing compassionate, skillful care is eligible for nomination. Patients, families, or colleagues can nominate nurses who demonstrate exceptional clinical expertise and emotional support. The program is open to nurses worldwide, regardless of their specific role or setting. Nominations are accepted for nurses who consistently go above and beyond to provide outstanding patient care. The DAISY Award honors nurses who embody professionalism, empathy, and dedication to their patients and families.

3.2 Criteria for Selection

Nurses are selected based on their exceptional clinical skills, compassionate care, and dedication to improving patient outcomes. Nominees must demonstrate professionalism, empathy, and a commitment to their patients and families. The selection process emphasizes acts of kindness, going above and beyond, and making a meaningful impact on care experiences. A compelling nomination story highlighting these qualities is essential for consideration. The program celebrates nurses who embody excellence in their daily practice and inspire others through their work.

The DAISY Award Nomination Form

The DAISY Award Nomination Form is a PDF document used to recognize exceptional nurses. It allows patients, families, and colleagues to submit heartfelt stories and nominations.

4.1 Structure of the Nomination Form

The DAISY Award Nomination Form is a concise PDF document designed to gather essential information about the nominated nurse. It includes fields for the nominee’s name, department, and a heartfelt story detailing their compassionate care and clinical excellence. The form also provides space for the nominator’s contact information and a brief summary of the nurse’s extraordinary contributions. Submission instructions and methods are clearly outlined, ensuring a straightforward process for recognizing exceptional nurses.

4.2 Required Information for Submission

The DAISY Award Nomination Form requires the nominee’s full name, department, and a detailed story highlighting their compassionate care and clinical excellence. Nominators must provide their contact information and a brief summary of the nurse’s extraordinary contributions. A heartfelt narrative is essential, as it plays a crucial role in the selection process. All fields must be completed thoroughly to ensure the nomination is considered valid and eligible for review by the DAISY Award committee.

4.3 Accessing the PDF Form

The DAISY Award Nomination Form PDF is available on the DAISY Foundation’s official website at DAISYFoundation.org. Many healthcare providers, like Valley Medical Center and Fred Hutch, also offer the form on their sites. The form includes sections for the nominee’s name, department, and a story highlighting their compassionate care and clinical skills. Completing these sections thoroughly ensures the nomination is valid and eligible for review.

How to Nominate a Nurse

To nominate a nurse, complete the DAISY Award Nomination Form (available as a PDF online), provide detailed stories of their compassionate care, and submit it via designated methods.

5.1 Steps to Complete the Nomination

To complete the DAISY Award Nomination Form, download the PDF from the official website. Fill in the nominee’s name, department, and a detailed story highlighting their compassionate care. Ensure all required fields are filled accurately. Submit the form via email, online portal, or designated drop boxes. Nominations are reviewed, and recipients are notified. This process ensures nurses are celebrated for their exceptional contributions to patient care and excellence in nursing.

5.2 Submission Methods

Nomination forms can be submitted via email, online portals, or physical drop boxes. For email submissions, check the organization’s specific address, such as mhart2@fredhutch.org. Online submissions are available through the healthcare facility’s website. Many hospitals also provide designated drop boxes for paper forms. Ensure the completed form is sent to the correct address or portal to guarantee receipt. Each facility may have specific instructions, so verify the submission method with your organization.

Recognition and Rewards

Nominees receive a pin and congratulations note, while winners get a certificate, Healer’s Touch sculpture, and banner. Celebrations often include cinnamon rolls, honoring their compassionate care and excellence.

6.1 What Nominees Receive

Every nurse nominated for the DAISY Award receives a copy of their nomination, a nominee pin, and a heartfelt congratulations note. This recognition acknowledges their compassionate care and clinical excellence, celebrating their impact on patients and families. While nominees receive these tokens of appreciation, winners are further honored with an Honoree pin, a personalized certificate, and a Healer’s Touch sculpture, symbolizing their extraordinary contributions to nursing. Celebrations often include cinnamon rolls, adding a touching gesture to the recognition.

6.2 Celebrating Winners

DAISY Award winners are celebrated with a special presentation ceremony, often attended by their colleagues, patients, and families. They receive a Healer’s Touch sculpture, a personalized certificate, and a banner to display in their unit. The celebration also includes a cinnamon roll treat, symbolizing the warmth and gratitude for their care. This recognition not only honors the nurse but also inspires their team, fostering a culture of compassion and excellence in healthcare.

The Importance of the DAISY Award

The DAISY Award boosts nurse morale, fosters a supportive work environment, and provides a meaningful way for patients and families to express gratitude for exceptional care.

7.1 Impact on Nurses

The DAISY Award significantly impacts nurses by recognizing their compassionate care and clinical excellence, boosting morale, and fostering job satisfaction. It inspires nurses to continue providing exceptional patient care while reinforcing the value of their profession. The award also encourages professional growth and creates a positive work environment, celebrating the dedication and hard work of nurses worldwide. Recipients receive tangible rewards, such as the Healer’s Touch sculpture, further amplifying their sense of achievement and pride.