The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses has been adopted by healthcare facilities around the world to celebrate nurses for their extraordinary care and compassion. Community Hospital of Staunton is proud to now offer this outstanding program. They thought it fitting to launch the program on the first day of National Nurses Week – a celebration that recognizes the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide patients and families every day.

Patients, families and colleagues may nominate nurses by sharing stories and submitting examples of how they were so special. Awards are presented throughout the year at celebrations attended by the honoree’s colleagues, patients, and visitors. Each honoree receives a certificate commending her/him as an "Extraordinary Nurse." The certificate reads: "In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people." Honorees also receive a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.

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. 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.

“We are proud to be among the healthcare organizations participating in The DAISY Award program," said Tommi Cline, DNP, RN, NE-BC, Director of Nursing at Community Hospital of Staunton. "Nurses are heroes every day. It is important that our nurses know their work is highly valued. The DAISY Foundation provides one way for us to recognize them.”