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Celebrating Our DAISY Award Winner: Amy Vanderway
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At Amergis, much of our success is built on the dedication of nurses who lead with integrity, trust, and quality care. Partnering with the DAISY Foundation was a natural fit, as our core values and vision align closely with theirs. Through this partnership, we’re able to champion even more of our nurses and celebrate the profound impact they make every day.
What is The DAISY Award and Foundation?
The DAISY Award was established in 1999 in memory of J. Patrick Barnes (better known as Pat) after he passed away following an eight-week-long hospitalization. During that time, Pat’s family experienced the best of nursing; they were blown away at the incredible kindness and compassion shown to them and Pat. When searching for a way to honor Pat’s memory, they kept returning to the comfort and support the nurses showed them during their darkest hours.
Pat’s wife, Tena, developed the acronym DAISY, which stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The family then founded a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses began.
Where gratitude meets exceptional nursing
The award honors nurses through nominations submitted by patients, families, and co-workers. It is the first program of its kind to give people a meaningful way to express gratitude for the compassionate, world-class care nurses provide to patients and their loved ones.
Nurses often work demanding 12-hour shifts, and in emergencies, those shifts can stretch to 16 hours in an already high-stress environment. They face burnout, staffing shortages, and countless daily pressures, yet they remain the essential human connection for their patients. Verbal feedback, written acknowledgment, and formal award programs all hold real value for nurses and play an important role in retaining nurses in a constantly evolving field.
Recognition truly matters.
Congratulations to our DAISY Award winner!
We are thrilled to announce our first official DAISY Award winner, Registered Nurse Amy Vanderway!
Amy was recognized for her extraordinary composure and skill during a complex open-heart surgery. When an unexpected complication arose and the room tensed, Amy remained steady. She anticipated every need, supported the entire team, and never lost sight of the patient’s safety. Her calm focus, precision, and compassion were praised by the surgical team.
It’s no surprise she was also named our Amergis Professional of the Month earlier this year. Amy, your dedication shines inside and outside the operating room. We are honored to celebrate you!
Giving patients and families a voice to say “thank you.”
Our nurses are the heart of Amergis, and celebrating Amy is just the beginning. We’re proud to honor her and every nurse who embodies excellence in care. Through our ongoing partnership with the DAISY Foundation, we look forward to uplifting even more nurses whose dedication elevates the standard of care. We invite patients, families, and colleagues to continue sharing their stories of gratitude as we build a culture where compassion is honored, excellence is encouraged, and every nurse feels truly valued.
LPN/LVNs, RNs, and Advanced Practice Nurses who provide exceptional care are eligible for this award. Anyone who has experienced or witnessed outstanding care may submit a nomination by clicking here to complete the nomination form on our website.
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