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DAISY Award

The DAISY Award is a prestigious recognition program celebrating the most passionate, caring, and skillful nurses from around the world.

How to Nominate an Extraordinary Nurse

TheDAISYFoundation

Say thank you by sharing your story of how a nurse made a difference you will never forget! Anyone may nominate a deserving nurse: a patient, a patient's family member, a visitor, a physician, or a co-worker.

All you have to do is fill out this short form (please include as much information as possible that coincides with the criteria listed below):

Nominate a Nurse

A DAISY Award Honoree is awarded every May and November. Each Honoree is recognized at a public ceremony in their department and receives a beautiful certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a hand-carved stone sculpture entitled, "A Healer's Touch."

Questions

If you have any questions, please contact the DAISY Award Coordinator, Leslie Bielenberg, at 712.755.4311 or leslie.bielenberg@myrtuemedical.org.

DAISY Award Criteria

  1. Models empathy and demonstrates a caring attitude in all situations.
  2. Demonstrates extraordinary clinical skills in the delivery of compassionate patient care.
  3. Has a positive attitude and demonstrates professionalism in the work environment.
  4. Establishes a special connection with the patients and families.
  5. Exemplifies the mission, vision, and values of Myrtue Medical Center.
    1. Mission Statement: Myrtue Medical Center will be a responsive health care leader by providing the highest quality of care for our patients while improving the well-being and health of the communities we serve.
    2. Vision Statement: Myrtue Medical Center will be recognized as a leader in patient experience and community health.
    3. Values of Myrtue Medical Center:
      1. Integrity: truthful, honest, adherence to a moral code
      2. Service: placing the needs of others above our own
      3. Partnership: seek others who match our commitment
      4. Stewardship: use of our resources wisely
      5. Safety: provide environment free of accidental injury

Latest Honoree

Allyson Jorgensen, RN | Fall 2026

Allyson is a nurse in Myrtue's Birthing Center.

"I was recently a first time mom-to-be. I went into labor spontaneously in the middle of the night. When we got to the hospital, Allyson was assigned as my nurse and so began our weekend. She immediately was a friendly, caring nurse whom made me feel so at ease from the get-go. Obviously being a first time mom getting ready to go through labor and delivery can be nerve wracking and from the moment we arrived I felt so comfortable with the process. She explained anything and everything in an easy to understand manner. Allyson had incredible bedside etiquette. She always asked permission before starting any exams, procedures, etc. She was there for me at the snap of a finger in a time of need or question. I felt incredibly cared for. Each hour from the minute we arrived to the L&D department I felt confident in achieving a positive birth with her encouragement and guidance. Allyson was working the whole weekend of my stay and each day I looked forward to her shift as I knew my daughter and I were in the best hands. The entirety of our stay her support and care was unwavering. I couldn’t have asked for a better, more amazing birth experience and I truly feel it was largely due to her exceptional service. I can’t think of someone more deserving of the DAISY Award. You can tell she puts her all into her job, which is incredibly important as a nurse caring for people during such a vulnerable time! Thank you, Allyson, for being the BEST of the BEST!"

Allyson has received nine DAISY Award nominations since Myrtue implemented the program in 2019.

View Past Honorees

History

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem) Foundation was created by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease and passed away in 1999. During his hospitalization, they deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his entire family. When he died, they felt compelled to say "thank you" to nurses in a very public way.

When a DAISY Award Honoree is announced, everyone in their department will celebrate with cinnamon rolls, a favorite of Patrick's during his illness. The Barnes Family asks that whenever and wherever nurses smell that wonderful cinnamon aroma, they stop for a moment and think about how special they are.

Learn More

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