We are proud to partner with The DAISY Foundation to honor the compassionate care of our extraordinary nurses throughout the year.
What is the DAISY Award?
DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. The Foundation was formed in January 2000, by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died at age 33 of complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). The Daisy award is given to recognize the super-human work nurses do every day all over the country. Nurses receive the DAISY Award for their clinical skills, compassionate care, exemplary service, and continued commitment to excellence. Visit the Daisy Foundation website to learn more.
Recent DAISY Award Winners:
Chris Kelsey, RN, IPC (Med Surg)
Nomination Year: 2025
Nominated by: Katie Lawrence (Co-Worker)
Story: "Chris is an extraordinarily strong nurse, and WRMC is incredibly fortunate to have her on their team. She consistently handles even the toughest situations with critical thinking, confidence, and always seems to have a solution for every problem. If she doesn’t have the answer right away, she knows exactly where to find it and takes the time to teach others about it.
As a new nurse, I’ve found Chris to be incredibly approachable and supportive. I feel comfortable going to her with questions, and she responds quickly and kindly, without judgment.
Chris’s bedside manner makes every patient feel like family—always putting their needs first, educating them thoroughly, and lightening the mood with a few jokes. Her compassion shows in everything she does. We are lucky to have Chris!”
Jordan Saeger, RN, IPC (Med Surg)
Nomination Year: 2025
Nominated by: Story 1: Dennis (Patient) & Story 2: Cath Lab Team (Co-Workers)
Story #1: "This team was exceptional. Very attentive, supportive, encouraging and caring to Marge. She had surgery on her L4, L5. She’s 81 years old. The team treated her with dignity. A truly amazing experience. God shines through this team."
Story #2: "We would like to nominate Jordan for the DAISY Award for the extraordinary compassion and professionalism she showed during a profoundly difficult moment.
Jordan, a new nurse, demonstrated remarkable empathy and poise when a patient under her care began to decline. Even as it became clear that the patient was dying, Jordan remained at the bedside, speaking softly and reassuringly to her. She held the patient’s hand, offered comfort, and made sure she was not alone in her final moments.
Jordan’s presence brought calm to a heartbreaking situation. She exemplified what it means to truly care for patients — not just clinically, but humanly. Despite being early in her nursing career, Jordan showed wisdom and compassion beyond her years.
Her actions today were a powerful reminder of the impact nurses have — not only in saving lives, but also in bringing dignity and peace at the end of life. Jordan’s kindness will not be forgotten by those who witnessed it."
Sarah Summerbell, RN, Clinical Resource Center (Float Pool)
Nomination Year: 2025
Nominated by: Lindsay Bader (Radiology)
Story: "I would like to nominate Sarah for the Daisy Award for her outstanding communication and dedication to patient care.
During a recent shift, a patient needed an urgent scan, but due to access issues, there was concern that the test would be delayed. Recognizing the importance of timely care, Sarah immediately offered to personally accompany the patient to Radiology. Because of her quick thinking and willingness to step in, the patient was able to receive the scan without delay.
What stood out in this moment was Sarah’s clear communication, her thoughtful questions to understand the situation fully, and her proactive approach to problem-solving. She didn’t wait to be asked—she saw a need and acted on it, putting the patient’s well-being first.
Sarah’s actions that day made a real difference, and I believe they reflect the compassionate, patient-focused spirit of nursing that the Daisy Award is meant to honor."
Roann Gacad, IPC (Med Surg)
Nomination Year: 2025
Nominated by: Merln W. (Patient)
Story: “Fortunately, even at the age of 79, I have only been a patient 3 times. Among the MANY excellent nurses here – Roann is my number 1 choice. She models empathy and demonstrates a caring attitude. She was always concerned about the details and kept me informed 24/7. I can tell her co-workers have the upmost respect for her. There was other nurse’s high-up on my list, but Roann was always at the top!”