Grace Britton, RN. (photo by Donn Jones)
Grace Britton, RN, works in the Cardiac & Vascular Stepdown unit at Vanderbilt University Hospital. She is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.
From the nomination
“In December 2025, my wife, suffered an acute aortic dissection and was urgently flown from Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital to Vanderbilt University Hospital for immediate open-heart surgery. The surgery was successful, but the recovery was filled with pain, fatigue, and emotional challenges for my wife and our family.
“During this difficult time, Grace Britton, stood out as a true beacon of kindness and positivity. Every time Grace entered her room, she brought an infectious great attitude and a warm, genuine smile that instantly brightened the space. Her upbeat energy was a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stressful environment and lifted my wife’s spirits when she needed it most. Grace was always willing to go the extra mile. One small but deeply meaningful gesture was that she consistently brought my wife a cup of hot tea without ever being asked, anticipating her need and delivering it with care and thoughtfulness. These quiet acts of kindness made my wife feel truly seen and valued during a time when she felt vulnerable.
“Grace’s positive personality and compassionate approach helped ease anxiety and gave her encouragement to keep moving forward in her recovery. Grace never rushed through her duties, instead she took time to listen, offer reassurance and provide expert care with gentleness and professionalism. Grace embodies the extraordinary compassion and dedication that the DAISY Award celebrates. Her joyful presence, thoughtful gestures, and unwavering positivity played a vital role in my wife’s healing journey and brought comfort to our entire family during a frightening experience. Grace deserves this recognition for the profound difference she makes for her patients every day.”
About DAISY Awards
The DAISY Award is a recognition for extraordinary nurses who exemplify compassion toward patients and families.
Vanderbilt Health distributes the award in partnership with The DAISY Foundation, which was formed in 1999 to honor the memory of J. Patrick Barnes, a 33-year-old man who died of complications of the autoimmune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). Barnes’ family was moved by the care they received from his nurses and wanted to recognize them to preserve his memory. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.
Vanderbilt Health nurse committees determine the individual recipients. Previous recipients of the DAISY Award are here. The award is open to all licensed nurses, and anyone can nominate — including co-workers, patients and their families.
