Nursing Recognition

DAISY Awards

The DAISY Foundation was formed in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at 33 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). DAISY is an acronym for "Diseases Attacking the Immune System"

DAISY Award Logo

Patrick's family was profoundly touched by the care, compassion, and kindness provided by the nursing staff during his hospitalization. In memory of Patrick, his family was determined to find a way to honor the super-human work nurses do at the bedside every day.

The Daisy Award was created from the Barnes family's desire to celebrate and show appreciation to individual nurses, nursing teams and nurse leaders! For more information, please visit The DAISY Foundation.

How can you nominate a UC San Diego Health nurse, leader or team?

Use the Daisy Nomination Form to send your nomination.

Or, simply email us a great story about your positive UC San Diego Health experience. Be sure to include your nurse's name and unit. Email: daisyaward@health.ucsd.edu

What exemplifies our UC San Diego Health Daisy winners?

A unique characteristic of this nationally recognized Daisy award is participating hospitals are encouraged to develop their own criteria from which to select a Daisy Award winner.

The UC San Diego Health Daisy Committee created the following qualifications based on the organization's core values and mission to provide exceptional patient experiences. The winner:

  • Demonstrates compassionate caring
  • Provides exceptional communication while educating patients and their families
  • Consistently focuses on meeting patient and family goals
  • Significantly "makes a difference" in the life of a patient
  • Not only listens with their ears but with their heart as well
  • Goes above and beyond, working outside of their comfort zone when a critical situation may arise

Appreciation Events

Certified Nurses Day

Nurse's Week 2021

Brew the LOVE — Community Coffee Donation

nurses at work

Preceptor Appreciation

thank you preceptors