The DAISY Foundation: Celebrating Compassionate Care with English for Nurses
- sabinetorgler
- 28. Aug.
- 4 Min. Lesezeit
Table of Contents
English for Nurses Introduces you to the DAISY Foundation
At English for Nurses, we are passionate about sharing inspiring initiatives that recognise and celebrate the nursing profession. One such initiative is The DAISY Foundation, founded in 1999 in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), an autoimmune condition. During his hospital stay, Patrick and his family experienced exceptional nursing care, which inspired them to create a way to thank and honour nurses around the world.
The name DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, reflecting the foundation’s origins. Over the years, the DAISY Foundation has grown into a global symbol of appreciation, shining a light on the extraordinary compassion and expertise that nurses bring to their roles every day.
By highlighting initiatives like DAISY, English for Nurses supports our mission to empower nurses with the language, confidence, and skills they need to communicate effectively and deliver the highest standard of care to patients and their families.
Mission and Vision of the DAISY Foundation
The mission of the DAISY Foundation is simple but powerful: to meaningfully celebrate nurses for extraordinary, compassionate care. This commitment resonates deeply with us at English for Nurses, where we focus on equipping nursing professionals with the communication tools they need to provide empathetic, patient-centred care.
The foundation’s vision is equally inspiring: to be recognised internationally as the symbol of compassionate and expert nursing care. This vision has helped the DAISY Foundation partner with thousands of hospitals, clinics, and nursing schools around the world.
When nurses are acknowledged for their compassion and expertise, the benefits extend far beyond the award itself. Recognition helps to reduce burnout, improve job satisfaction, and foster a positive, supportive workplace culture — outcomes that align closely with the values we promote in our online courses and in-person courses.
DAISY Awards and Programmes
The DAISY Foundation offers a variety of awards designed to celebrate nurses at every stage of their careers. Here are some of the key recognition programmes:
DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses – Honouring registered or licensed nurses for compassionate care, nominated by patients, families, or colleagues.
DAISY Team Award – Recognising nurse-led teams that deliver outstanding, collaborative care.
DAISY Nurse Leader Award – Celebrating nurse leaders who foster compassionate, supportive work environments.
DAISY Faculty and Student Awards – Highlighting exceptional contributions in nursing education and encouraging the next generation of nurses.
DAISY Health Equity Award – Acknowledging nurses who address health disparities and advocate for underserved communities.
At English for Nurses, we believe that clear communication enhances compassionate care. Whether through our CD language guides, pocket book guides, or our bespoke training, we help nurses build the confidence to connect meaningfully with patients — a skill that complements the DAISY Foundation’s mission perfectly.
Research, Grants, and Support
The DAISY Foundation goes beyond recognition by actively supporting nursing research and education. Through its J. Patrick Barnes Grants, it funds evidence-based practice projects, often focused on improving outcomes for patients with cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Additionally, the Lynne Doll Dissemination Grants provide financial support for nurses to share their findings at conferences, covering costs for travel and presentations. These grants ensure that valuable knowledge and innovation in nursing are widely shared and implemented.
By combining such opportunities with professional language development — like the specialised training we offer in online courses and in-person courses — nurses can present their research confidently to international audiences, increasing their professional impact.
Global Reach and Real-Life Recognition
The DAISY Foundation has made a remarkable impact globally, with programmes in more than 38 countries and over 2.5 million nominations to date. In the UK alone, more than 85 healthcare facilities have integrated DAISY into their workplace culture, helping to reduce burnout and promote resilience.
Real-life stories bring the DAISY mission to life. For example, in May 2025, Danelle Feys, R.N., was recognised with a DAISY Award for providing reassuring and compassionate emergency care. Similarly, MyMichigan Health recently honoured several nurses across their system, celebrating their dedication with certificates, pins, and the iconic hand-carved “Healer’s Touch” sculpture from Zimbabwean artisans.
At English for Nurses, we see how recognition fuels motivation and reinforces the importance of empathy in healthcare. Programmes like DAISY remind us that compassionate communication is as vital as clinical expertise in creating positive patient experiences.
FAQ
Q: What does DAISY stand for?A: DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, reflecting the condition that inspired the foundation’s creation.
Q: Who can be nominated for a DAISY Award?
A: Any licensed or registered nurse, nurse leader, team, educator, or student can be nominated by patients, families, or colleagues.
Q: How does English for Nurses support initiatives like DAISY?
A: Through our online courses, in-person courses, and language guides, we help nurses communicate with confidence and compassion, enhancing the care recognised by DAISY programmes.
Q: Where can I find more information about the DAISY Foundation?
A: Visit the official website at daisyfoundation.org.
Key Takeaway and How to Get in Touch
The DAISY Foundation is a shining example of how recognising compassion can transform nursing workplaces and patient care. At English for Nurses, we share that commitment by helping nurses improve their language and communication skills, ensuring that every interaction with a patient or colleague is as effective and compassionate as possible.
To learn how we can support your professional growth, explore our online courses, in-person courses, or browse our CD and pocket book language guides.
For personalised advice or to discuss your training needs, please contact us today. And don’t forget to visit our blog to stay up to date with the latest nursing news and insights.
Kommentare