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:
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."
Lynsey Gensch, Emergency Department RN
Nomination Year: 2025
Nominated by: Patient
Story: “During one of the most stressful moments for our family, there was one nurse who truly stood out, Lynsey. She was the one that kept us informed about what was happening with our son’s broken hip. In a situation where we felt lost and overwhelmed, she made sure we understood every step of his care and offered both knowledge and compassion when we needed it most. Her dedication and kindness did not go unnoticed, and we are incredibly grateful for her support. Thank you to this amazing nurse for making a difficult experience just a little easier.”
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!”
Barb Carstens, RN, SBHU
Nomination Year: 2024
Nominated by: Candy (Story #1) and Laura (Story #2)
Story #1: “From the day I met Barb, she treated us all like equals. She showed no favoritism. Though things could get a little chaotic, especially around meals, she stayed even tempered and respectful to us all. She's kind and a sweet soul. Thank you, Barb, for your true care." - Candy
Story #2: “Barb is an extraordinary advocate who is extremely invested in her patients well-being in the present moment as well as their discharge. When I arrived on the unit I was a complete emotional mess. I had a ponytail holder that was given to me as an emotional promise before arriving here at SBHU. It was “mental glue” that was holding me together. It disappeared mysteriously from my room and I fell apart. Barb came in and told me that she would hunt it down! I didn’t believe her. However, towards the end of her 12 hour shift at the end of the day, something told me to look up. As I did I saw Barb coming down the hall holding the ponytail holder up in the air! She found it mixed up in the laundry room. It meant he world to me whether it sounds silly or not.
The Life changer – I heard rumors about the possibility of going back to the rehab program in which I was in which is likened to Hades. It’s why I landed in here. Mentally abusive and all around unhealthy. I became hysterical and I shared my story with Barb, telling her that to be sent back would totally wipe out everything that I had accomplished thus far on SBHU for the positive. Barb put her hand on my shoulder and stated, “I will fight for you!” I thought it was kind of her to say but unfeasible to say the least. However, she did! She shared my story with my planning team of workers and I was totally blown away when I met with my NP and she assured me that they were NOT going to send me back to Hades. Barb had kept her word and fought. Not to be terribly dramatic but she very literally saved my life and I am forever grateful." - Laura