Recognizing Excellence

Our nurses and support staff are the heart of UTMB, bringing skill, compassion, and unwavering commitment to every bedside. Their presence comforts, their expertise heals, and their dedication shapes every moment of care. Exceptional patient care isn’t just our mission — it’s our calling. We invite you to honor the staff members who made a meaningful impact on your journey and celebrate the individuals who bring hope and healing to our community every day.

DAISY Award Honoring compassionate care and clinical excellence in nursing.

The DAISY Award is an international recognition program created in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, honoring the extraordinary compassion and clinical excellence of nurses. Inspired by the exceptional care Pat received from his nursing team, his family established the award to express gratitude for the profound impact nurses have on patients and families. The DAISY Award offers a meaningful way for patients, loved ones, and colleagues to recognize and thank nurses who make a lasting difference.

A DAISY Recipient poses with her certificate and two colleagues behind a DAISY Award banner.

WambiA culture rooted in gratitude, connection, and care.

Wambi provides a simple, meaningful way for employees, students, patients, and families to recognize extraordinary service, compassion, and moments of going above and beyond. By sharing gratitude and celebrating everyday impact, we foster a culture rooted in appreciation, connection, and care.

 Share Gratitude on Wambi

Wildflower AwardRecognizing exceptional support staff.

The Wildflower Award honors support staff members whose compassion and teamwork make a meaningful difference in the patient experience. This recognition celebrates individuals who work side by side with care teams to create a supportive, healing environment for patients and families. Wildflower recipients exemplify collaboration, dedication, and a deep commitment to delivering exceptional care every day.

A Wildflower Award Recipient smiles and poses with her certificate.

Marshall-Watson AwardRecognizing excellence in Preceptorship.

The Marshall-Watson Award for Excellence in Preceptorship is a partnership between UTMB Nursing Service and the School of Nursing that honors nurse clinicians who demonstrate excellence in guiding and supporting the next generation of nurses. This award recognizes outstanding preceptors for their commitment to education, leadership, and professional role modeling. Nominations are welcomed by UTMB employees and nursing students.

Submissions Closed

A Marshall-Watson Award recipient smiles and poses with his certificate and award, alongside the preceptee who nominated him.

Past Award Recipients

Dunne Dittman, Patient Care Technician, smiling in a shirt that reads, "Where Purpose Meets Passion."
Dunne Dittman, Patient Care Technician
Wildflower Award "Dunne always has a smile on his face, helping others when in need, and going over and above his line of duties to ensure that his patients get the best care and treatment they need. Dunne deserves this award for all his hard work and dedication to the staff and patients."
Galveston Campus
Jessica Hernandez-Garcia, RN, stands smiling with her DAISY certificate and award.
Jessica Hernandez-Garcia, RN, Med-Surg
DAISY Award "It wasn’t just what she did, it was how she did it. She treated him like he still mattered — like he was someone’s whole world. And he is. I’ve watched many nurses come and go through this process, but this one made me feel seen, supported, and safe. In that short time, she reminded me what dignity looks like at the end of life. I will never forget her kindness."
Clear Lake Campus
Kellye Jackson, RN, smiling holding her DAISY certificate and award.
Kellye Jackson, RN, NICU
DAISY Award "It absolutely melted my heart to see my coworker relate to a patient on this level and take the time to put her at ease. As NICU nurses, it can be difficult to relate to some of our patients, yet we all have our ways of providing comfort when it's needed, in the best way that we know how. Kellye's interaction with this mom felt so unrushed and personal. It was a beautiful demonstration of caring and compassion in action."
Clear Lake Campus