the DAISY Award

United Regional is proud to partner with the DAISY Foundation to recognize nurses who provide exceptional patient care. The DAISY Award is an international recognition program started in memory of J. Patrick “Pat” Barnes. Pat’s family experienced the profound impact of his nurses’ care and created The DAISY Award to express their gratitude.
If a United Regional nurse or nursing team has provided clinical excellence and outstanding compassion that made a positive difference in your life, or the life of a loved one, please click here to submit a DAISY Award nomination.
If you would like to recognize members of our non-nursing staff, please fill out the Sunshine Award nomination form here.
Congratulations to our DAISY Award Winners!
                    Brice Turner, PACU
October 2025
While caring for a patient following outpatient surgery, Brice noticed that the patient — who had lost both legs and relied on a wheelchair for mobility — was using one that was visibly worn and held together with tape. As Brice escorted him to his vehicle, the patient commented on how helpful it would be to have a walker with a seat, like one they had just seen a visitor using.
Brice didn’t hesitate. As soon as he returned to his unit, he began searching online for a walker he could purchase for the patient. After speaking with coworkers, he reached out to the staff at United Regional’s Transition Clinic to explore additional support, knowing the patient also needed a new wheelchair.
Thanks to Brice’s compassion and initiative — and the teamwork between United Regional’s Transition Clinic and the agencies they connected with — the patient received both a new walker and a new wheelchair within a week.
Brice, your drive to make a positive difference in the lives of others embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award. Congratulations on being an honoree!
                    Meagan Hensley, Transition Clinic
July 2025
While attending to a patient with sound sensitivity and a heightened response to sudden disruptions, Meagan was notified by Security that a fire drill would soon begin. Recognizing the potential impact, she calmly informed the patient of the drill in advance. As the patient began to show signs of distress, Meagan — with the help of her team — alerted management, who coordinated with Security to delay the drill until a more appropriate time. Thanks to Meagan for creating a calm, supportive environment, a routine safety drill became a powerful example of compassion and teamwork. Congratulations on receiving the DAISY Award, Meagan!
                    Brigitte Arnold, Palliative Care
Sept 2025
An elderly patient was recently admitted to United Regional and was nearing the end of life. Her family gathered by her side, offering comfort and support, but they wished her sister — who was also a patient on another floor — could be with her in those final moments. Brigitte, the patient’s nurse, gently asked if there was anything more she could do. The patient’s granddaughter explained the situation: her grandmother was too fragile to be moved, but it would mean everything if her sister could come to her. Without hesitation, Brigitte took action. She located the sister and brought her to the room, making it possible for the two to share one last meaningful and special visit, as reflected in the smiles on their faces. Brigitte, your nominator said, “What she did for our family meant the world to us, and we are so grateful for her.” Thank you for going above and beyond for your patient, Brigitte, and congratulations on receiving the DAISY Award!
                    Nacoa Grace , S6W Med Surg
June 2025
In a moment of crisis, three United Regional team members — Nacoa, Kate, and Iyanah — demonstrated extraordinary composure, teamwork, and swift decision-making that made a positive difference. As a patient was leaving Bridwell Tower, she suffered a severe injury by scraping her leg while trying to enter her vehicle, resulting in rapid and significant blood loss. Without hesitation, Iyanah called out for help, urgently requesting United Regional’s Campus Response Team — activated in critical emergencies to provide immediate support. Kate, a non-clinical staff member, responded immediately and decisively — contacting the operator to initiate the emergency response. Kate recalled the location of the bleeding control kit in the hallway. She retrieved it and delivered it to Iyanah, who applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. Nacoa was among the first responders and remained by the patient’s side, helping ensure she was safely transported to the Emergency Department. Kate, Nacoa, and Iyanah, thank you for working together as a team to provide critical support during a life-threatening emergency. Congratulations on receiving the Sunshine and DAISY Honoree Awards!
                    Shante Iselin, 5W Med Surg
March 2025
During a recent hospital stay, a patient with a condition causing light sensitivity experienced discomfort while in her room. Even with the blinds closed, the light was still bothering her. Recognizing her discomfort, Shante creatively made sunglasses for the patient using a mask, clear tape, and a sharpie. This simple yet thoughtful solution provided tremendous relief for the patient until her family could bring actual sunglasses. Shante, your innovative thinking, and compassion exemplify United Regional’s prioritization of patient comfort. Congratulations on receiving the DAISY Award!
                    Kiley Armstrong, LVN
March 2025
A patient with a cancer diagnosis was admitted to United Regional due to sepsis. Kiley took exceptional care of the patient, consistently checking on the family and ensuring their comfort. She frequently inquired about the patient pain levels, encouraging him to voice any needs. Additionally, she arranged for a larger room to accommodate visiting family members. When the patient’s doctor informed the family that his condition was critical due to low oxygen levels, Kiley prayed with the family and respected their request for privacy during discussions about future care. On her last day with the patient, Kiley stayed beyond her shift to thank the family for allowing her to provide care and asked if she could continue to pray for them. Thank You, Kiley, for providing clinical excellence and outstanding compassion, making the patient and family feel as comfortable as possible in a challenging situation.