DAISY Foundation

10/12/2026

Do you know a nurse whose integrity shines through, even in difficult moments?

Nominate them for the ANA DAISY Award for Nursing Ethics in Practice and Leadership! This award celebrates nurses whose integrity, compassion, and ethical courage make a real difference.

Nominations close November 9, 2026 — don't wait!

Nominate now: https://www.daisyfoundation.org/about-daisy-award/annual-recognitions

10/09/2026

For one patient, exceptional nursing care means being seen, heard, and truly understood.

Beena took the time to learn her patient’s needs and preferences and went above and beyond to make care more accessible and comfortable. From rearranging appointments to ensure the patient could work with a trusted interpreter to helping coordinate schedules when an opening became available, she consistently found ways to make a difficult process a little easier.

Beena's compassion extends beyond the practical details. At every visit, she asked how her patient was doing and checked in about the patient’s son. And when the patient brought her a small box of sweets from her home country as a thank you, Beena chose to share them with her colleagues. A simple gesture that reflected her humility and thoughtfulness.

Beena's kindness, dedication, and willingness to go the extra mile made a lasting difference for her patient.

Help us congratulate Beena by leaving a comment. You can read her nomination story here: https://www.daisyfoundation.org/daisy-award/honorees/beena-soloman

10/08/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Recipients of The Karlene Kerfoot Nursing Leadership in Technology Education Grant! Learn more about this grant and read about how the recipients will be utilizing the grant funds here: https://www.daisyfoundation.org/karlene-kerfoot-grant

This grant is in partnership with symplr and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. The 2027 application will open June 1st.

10/07/2026

Nurses, never forget the difference you make.

That’s one of the meaningful reminders our co-founder, Bonnie Barnes, shared during a wonderful conversation with Adrianna Muñoz on the Sedate the Stress podcast.

Bonnie talks about the impact nurses make every day and why it’s important to recognize the difference nurses make in the lives of your patients, their families, and your colleagues.

This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation that’s well worth a listen.

YouTube: https://bit.ly/4i6rvpS
Spotify: https://bit.ly/4i6rkLe

What happens when you thank a nurse?Sometimes, it does more than ...

10/06/2026

The impact of nursing reaches far beyond the bedside.

Nurses bring their knowledge, experience, and compassion to the policy table, helping shape decisions that can improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

The HealthImpact-AONL DAISY Nurse Leader Award in Policy celebrates licensed nurses and nurse-led teams who are making meaningful contributions to policy, whether through their professional role or advocacy outside of work.

Help us recognize a nurse whose voice is helping create a more equitable and caring future. Nominate a deserving nurse: https://www.daisyfoundation.org/about-daisy-award/annual-recognitions

We’re grateful to Healthimpact and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) for partnering with us on this award.

10/05/2026

From our Co-founder Bonnie Barnes:

Mark and I were thrilled to be invited to be the Commencement Speakers at Chamberlain University's 2 graduations in Chicago. "Grad Central" was all DAISY'd up. Before the ceremonies, we took pictures with graduates and their families, many of whom were DAISY Honorees and Nominees. Some even brought their DAISY certificates and copies of their nominations for us to sign. (Check out the picture of 32-time nominee Advocate Health RN Marquina Watts showing us some of her nominee pins.)

Thank you, Peggy Guillory, for taking such great care of us, helping us don our honorary doctoral regalia, ensuring we found our way around the huge hotel and convention center, and supporting us in every way.

Thank you, Janet Silvestri, DAISY Senior Director, for driving for 5 hours each way to be with us.

And thank you, President Amelia Manning, for the most beautiful introduction to our speech.

We hope our message resonated with graduates - from BSNs to DNPs (and MSWs and MPHs) - reinforcing that they never forget the importance of treating their patients and families with compassion, dignity, and respect - a message we know is ingrained in them in their Chamberlain education.

10/02/2026

When a newborn patient was admitted to the NICU with unexplained liver failure, his family was facing some of the most terrifying days of their lives. Then Rhonda came on shift and everything changed.

Rhonda cared not only for the baby, but for his exhausted and frightened family. She found them a place to shower and rest, made them more comfortable at the bedside, and cared for their son with extraordinary tenderness.

Her compassion went far beyond her nursing shift. When the baby was listed for a liver transplant, Rhonda immediately volunteered to become his living donor. She underwent extensive testing while continuing to work demanding NICU shifts. When doctors determined she could not safely donate because of a vein issue, she even asked whether a vein graft could be used, willing to take on additional risk to give him a chance at life.

Although she ultimately could not be his donor, Rhonda never stopped showing up. She continues to support the family, helping them understand medical information, offering reassurance during difficult moments, and creating thoughtful care packages filled with love.

To this family, Rhonda is no longer just a nurse, she is family. Her compassion, sacrifice, advocacy, and unwavering love embody the very heart of nursing.

Help us congratulate Rhonda by leaving a comment. Read the nomination story here: https://www.daisyfoundation.org/daisy-award/honorees/rhonda-joyce

09/29/2026

09/29/2026

09/29/2026

The next application cycle for our Medical Mission Grant closes on October 1st.

DAISY Honorees can apply today for a Medical Mission Grant of up to $1,500 to help support their upcoming medical mission.

If you miss this deadline, don’t worry! You can apply during the next application cycle, which opens October 2nd.

Learn more and apply: https://www.daisyfoundation.org/daisy-medical-mission-grants

A special thank you to AMN Healthcare for helping us provide these grants and support our DAISY Honorees as they make a difference around the world.