Mercy Implements DAISY Award Program to Recognize Nurses

March 18, 2021
Nurses kicking up feet

Nurses at Mercy Regional Medical Center will be honored under a new recognition program the hospital is implementing in conjunction with The DAISY Foundation.

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses has been adopted by health care facilities around the world to celebrate nurses for their extraordinary care and compassion. Patients, their families and hospital staff members can nominate a nurse for the compassionate care they were provided with or witnessed.

“Mercy is proud to be among the health care organizations participating in the DAISY Award program. Nurses are true heroes every day,” said Stephanie Clements, Mercy’s Chief Nursing Officer. “It’s important that our nurses know that they are appreciated and that their work is highly valued. The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that.”

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. 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. 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.

Said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, President and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation, "When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Mercy are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”

A committee at Mercy will review the nominations and select a winner. During a special presentation, nominees will receive a DAISY nominee pin, note of congratulations, and a copy of the nomination story.

Submit a nomination