DAISY Award

The DAISY Award is an international program that honors excellence in nursing. It was created by The DAISY Foundation to recognize the clinical skills, extraordinary compassion and care exhibited by nurses every day. The award is given monthly to an outstanding nurse in more than 237 hospitals across the United States and around the world. UnitedHealthcare is the co-sponsor of The DAISY Award at Nicklaus Children's Hospital. The DAISY Award to honor nursing was founded  in memory of J. Patrick Barnes.​

The DAISY Award recipient is recognized at a public ceremony and receives: a framed certificate, a DAISY Award signature lapel pin and a hand-carved stone sculpture entitled A Healer's Touch. Additionally, the unit or department of the recipient will receive cinnamon rolls – a favorite of Patrick's during his illness – with the sentiment that the heavenly aroma will remind them how special they are and how important their work is.

Nominate a Nurse for the Daisy Award

DAISY Award recipients personify Nicklaus Children's Hospital's remarkable patient experience. These individuals consistently demonstrate excellence through clinical expertise, extraordinary service and compassionate care and are recognized as outstanding role models in the nursing community.

The following are examples of qualities and attributes the nurses will possess:

• A positive attitude
• “Patient centeredness” - a consistent focus on meeting patient and family needs
• Collaborates well with all members of the health care team
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Shows empathy in all situations

Patients, visitors, employees or physicians may nominate a deserving nurse by filling out the nomination form online and submitting it to the nominee's nursing manager. You can also print the nomination form in PDF format.

PETALS Recognition Program

PETALS are: Professional Extraordinaires That Always Lend Support

Every DAISY has petals extending from its core that make it a perfect flower. At Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, our PETALS are Nursing’s colleagues in departments such as Environmental Services, Rehabilitation, Case Management, Food & Nutrition and Transport, as well as Unit Coordinator, Behavioral Health Tech, Nurse Assistants, physicians and other employees throughout the health system. Please help Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Division of Nursing recognize these individuals for the outstanding and compassionate care they deliver every day.