DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The DAISY Foundation was created in memory of a young man who died at the age of 33 related to an auto-immune disorder that took his life in just eight weeks. The family of Patrick Barnes was so impressed with the level of knowledge, expertise and compassion they experienced with the nursing staff that they wanted to provide a forum for ongoing recognition of the extraordinary work nurses do every day. Thus was born the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.
DAISY Award recipients are nominated by their, peers, physicians, patients and families, and other staff and administrators. This is a merit-based award that honors not only great clinical skill and leadership but especially strong patient care and compassion.
Sara Danner, RN was presented the DAISY award at a special recognition program held at the Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines attended by WCH CEO, Daren Relph and CNO, Sheila Mattly. Honorees, family members, Board members, CEOs and Nurse Execs gathered to help with the celebration that included lunch and a very entertaining and engaging key note speaker, Deadra Stanton from Mason City, IA.
“We are proud of Sara and the skill and compassion she has developed as a nurse. She provides encouragement and radiates warmth which helps the patients she is privileged to care for feel better. Sara does an outstanding job caring for her patients,” commented Sheila Mattly, CNO.