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.
We invite you to nominate an extraordinary nurse, leader, or team at one of our UTMB campuses.
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Jerry Mansfield, PhD, MS, RN, NEA-BC, FNAPDAISY Nurse Leader Award for Experience Champions "Jerry’s leadership exemplifies the spirit of this award. His commitment to improving experiences for patients, families, and care teams demonstrates the powerful role nurse leaders play at the executive level in shaping culture and driving positive change." -
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2024 Team DAISY Award WinnersDAISY Team Despite limited resources, an emergency perimortem C-section in the ED resulted in both mother and infant surviving, thanks to strong teamwork and leadership from Charge Nurse Wendy Campbell and LDRP nurse Pat Vela. The team successfully delivered and intubated the infant while restoring the mother’s circulation and securing her airway. Their coordinated, lifesaving efforts were widely praised and left a lasting impression across the hospital. -
Tandra Medellin, MSN, RN, WHNP-BCDAISY Leader "Tandra is incredibly approachable and always makes time to listen to her team members, no matter how busy she may be. Her door is always open, and she encourages open communication, making it easy to approach her with any concerns or challenges. This has fostered a trusting and supportive work environment where team members feel valued and heard." -
Evelyn Mendez, BSN, RN, ACM-RNDAISY Leader "If you only knew how organized she is in all the chaos of leadership. She is steadfast and determined to make our units the best at League City. Evelyn is a leader that guides, inspires and influences the staff to work towards one common goal by creating an environment for staff to ensure patient safety and care is always first." -
Zachary Carson, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-BCDAISY Nurse Educator Award "Dr. Carson is also inspirational in the way he teaches us how to care for our patients. By sharing real-life examples of times when he has gone the extra mile for those in his care, he motivates me to want to be that same kind of nurse. The one who truly makes a difference." -
Cora Rabe, DNP, CRNA, APRN, CHSE, CPHQ, CNEDAISY Nurse Educator Award "That moment turned frustration into inspiration. And I will devote the same type of energy to my patients in the future. Cora has a rare gift for teaching with both knowledge and heart." -
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Krista Avants, RNDAISY Award "Her positivity helped calm my nerves and made me feel safe and secure in a situation that could have been overwhelming. She made me feel like I was her top priority, even when I knew she was busy caring for many patients. Krista embodies what it means to be a truly exceptional nurse-skilled, compassionate, observant, and deeply caring." -
Jessica Hernandez-Garcia, RNDAISY 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." -
Kellye Jackson, RNDAISY 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." -
Claudine Witter, MSN, RNDAISY Award "Patients will name her by name and request that she be their nurse. What sets Claudine apart is not just her skill, but her heart. She is a compassionate caregiver who connects deeply with her patients and supports her team with quiet strength and humility." -
Elissa Peipleman, RNDAISY Award "She fosters a comforting environment for those under her care, ensuring that each patient receives not only the best medical attention but also the emotional support they need during challenging times. Beyond her dedication to hospital-based nursing, Elissa selflessly devotes her spare time to serving the community." -
Sabrina Cantu, RN, BSNDAISY Award "She had went above and beyond to assist me and make me as comfortable as possible. She definitely knows her stuff and performs her duties with the utmost compassion and delicacy. She is definitely the description of an EXTRAORDINARY NURSE." -
Donnalyn Espinosa, RN, BSNDAISY Award "I honestly would not have made it through that treatment, if Donnalyn hadn't been there with me, as my cheerleader and coach. I knew I would not have chosen to keep trying if it wasn't for her encouraging me." -
Nissy George, RN, CVRNDAISY Award "Nissy treated my grandpa as if he were a beloved family member, showing a level of compassion that brought comfort to both him and our family during this challenging time. If we were to come again, I'd choose you Nissy, all over again." -
Andrea Corina Rodriguez, RNDAISY Award "Her patients absolutely love her. I’ve had several tell me how kind and patient she is, and how she takes the time to explain things in a way they can really understand. She makes people feel important, listened to, and safe—and that means so much when you’re in the hospital."
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