Want to say thank you to a nurse?
NOMINATE THEM FOR A DAISY AWARD
An ongoing recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful and compassionate care nurses provide every day. Active in over 6,000 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing, internationally.
Nurses are nominated by patients and their families. All nominations are then blinded and scored by a committee based on predetermined criteria. The Honoree is celebrated publicly with a ceremony.
All nominees receive a copy of their nomination.
The DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of the auto-immune disease ITP in 1999. During his hospitalization, they deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his entire family. When he died, they felt compelled to say “thank you” to nurses in a very public way. To learn more, visit DAISYFoundation.org.
Explore recent DAISY recipients for nomination examples.
Nominate a Nurse
DAISY Recipients
RECIPIENT: LEXI MADCKE, RN
Madcke, a registered nurse in JRMC’s Family BirthPlace, was nominated twice — by both a mother and her support person — for her extraordinary composure and skill during a frightening delivery. Their independent nominations reflect the deep and lasting impact of her care.
NOMINATIONS:
“Lexi is a compassionate and caring nurse. She cares deeply for her patients.
Lexi happened to be working when my best friend ended up needing an emergency c-section and is one of the reasons my best friend gets to hold her daughter in her arms. She saved her daughter’s life.
My friend described Lexi as a calming presence and helped her know it was going to be ok. She said Lexi maintained strong eye contact in a scary situation and gave her constant reassurance.
Lexi also made sure to keep the family in the loop during all of this.
Lexi is the definition of a nurse who provides extraordinary patient-centered care and truly made a difference.”
– Emily Ash
“Lexi was my OB nurse through my labor process on 5/16/25. I have so much good to say about her, she started on with me and made me feel so comfortable. Talked me through everything happening and making sure I felt very comfortable and informed in every decision. Lexi walked me and my partner through ways to help when contractions started and counter pressure points. Lexi took time out of her day to come and give me a hand massage and just make sure I was fully taken care of in every way and that all I needed to worry about was getting through the day comfortable and safe. When baby started having problems she jumped right on the bed with me and did EVERYTHING she could to keep my baby safe and alive. Meanwhile she continued to keep her composure while she was holding my baby’s head in safely, making sure to tell me that she is doing everything she can and she is here for me and my baby. Lexi stayed right where she needed to be until the baby was out holding her in safely. She saved my babies life, and I could not be more greatful that she was placed to care for me and my baby that day.”
– Abigayle Grounds
Recipient: Heather Owens, RN
Owens, a registered nurse in JRMC’s patient care unit, was selected for her deep empathy, emotional presence and unwavering commitment to patient well-being. Her nominations captured heartfelt accounts that demonstrated how her dedication made a lasting, personal impact on patients and families.
In her daily role, Owens administers medications, monitors vital signs, performs health assessments and collaborates with care teams to provide comprehensive support to patients. But it’s her emotional intelligence and compassion that truly set her apart.
NOMINATIONS:
“I’ve been in the hospital for three months battling infection. Heather is always there to lend an ear to listen to, she has taken time out of her day to sit down with me and let me vent and also let me cry when I need to. She is never judgmental and always there for support for Christmas this year. She could not see me going without a Christmas tree. She went out and purchased a Christmas tree with lights and small ornaments to make my day and it is in my room, and it is constant reminder of how much she cares and goes above and beyond her job. She is also very knowledgeable when it comes to nursing and is not afraid to ask for a second opinion when she does not know.”
– Michael Kruk
“While I was receiving care at the hospital, I was feeling incredibly down, overwhelmed with emotions, worries, and fears. I truly needed someone to talk to, and Heather was that person. She didn’t just come in to do her job—she showed genuine compassion and took time out of her shift to sit with me, listen, and be present.
Heather never made me feel like a burden. She gave me the space to express everything I was feeling and talked with me through it all. Her kindness, honesty, and reassurance helped calm so many of the fears I was carrying. She reminded me that my worries were valid and let me know it was okay to feel the way I did. Her honesty was comforting, and her gentle words helped ease my mind.
What stood out the most was how Heather made me feel seen, heard, and important—even at a time when my self-esteem was at its lowest. She always had a smile, made eye contact, and never rushed a conversation. She explained everything she was doing before she did it, made sure I had what I needed before leaving the room, and checked in on me consistently throughout her shift. Before she left for the day, she always made sure I was okay and said goodbye with that same warm smile.
Heather treated me like a friend, not just a patient. She went above and beyond in every possible way, and I always looked forward to seeing her walk through the door with that light she brings with her. Jamestown Regional Medical Center is so lucky to have her—she truly is one in a million.
Thank you, Heather. I can never say thank you enough for the care, compassion, and time you gave me. I’ll always remember you and share how amazing you are.”
– David Wolhart
Recipient: Megan Hillius, RN
Hillius, a registered nurse in JRMC’s obstetrics and gynecology department, was chosen for her unwavering commitment to patient-centered care and her remarkable ability to consistently demonstrate human kindness. Her nomination vividly illustrated the lasting impression she made, describing two distinct care encounters—spanning two years—that showcased her profound compassion and dedication.
As part of her role, Hillius provides comprehensive care for women throughout their reproductive health journey, including education and counseling on sexual and reproductive health, disease prevention and birth control methods. In addition to working at the specialty clinic, Hillius serves as JRMC’s Shared Governance Committee president, where she is a strong advocate for patient safety, quality care and workflow improvement initiatives.
NOMINATION:
“Hello! My first experience with Megan was in 2020 when she worked in the birthing unit at JRMC. It was COVID season and was about to have my second baby. I was alone. She had noticed me crying. She grabbed the Kleenex box and sat on my bed with me until I was okay.
Fast forward to November 2024, I am pregnant again. I never had gone to the JRMC clinic before. I was referred STAT as my levels were going up and down. Megan happened to be my nurse again except this time she needed to tell me I was having an ectopic pregnancy. She was very understanding and again grabbed the Kleenex box and talked me through this unfortunate news.
I have had A LOT of amazing experiences at JRMC. I believe Megan deserves this award because of her gentle and comforting soul. She truly cares about the patients and the care she gives us.”
– Shana Altringer