The DAISY Foundation was established in 2000 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died from complications of the auto-immune disease ITP at the age of 33. DAISY is an acronym for “diseases attacking the immune system.” During Pat’s eight-week hospitalization, his family was awestruck by the care and compassion his nurses provided not only to Pat, but to everyone in his family. One of the goals they set in creating a foundation in Pat’s memory was to recognize extraordinary nurses everywhere who make an enormous difference in the lives of so many people by the super-human work they do every day.

DAISY Award honorees exemplify a remarkable patient experience. These nurses consistently demonstrate excellence through their clinical expertise and extraordinary compassionate care. They are recognized as outstanding role models in our nursing community. We are proud to be a DAISY Award partner. Patients, visitors, nurses, physicians, and OSF HealthCare employees may nominate a deserving nurse by submitting a nomination form.

Daisy Award Nomination Form