Kayleigh Jones RN, BSN, (photo by Susan Urmy)
Kayleigh Jones, RN, works in the surgical stepdown unit at Vanderbilt University Hospital. She is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.
From the nomination
“I was hospitalized for nine days, and Kayleigh was my nurse for three of those days during a very complex recovery. At that time, I was connected to telemetry wires, oxygen pulse oximetry, multiple drain tubes, a chest tube, and a Foley catheter. Being in that condition was physically uncomfortable and emotionally overwhelming, leaving me feeling vulnerable and dependent on others for even the simplest needs.
“From the beginning of each shift, Kayleigh approached my care with patience, kindness, and genuine concern. She never rushed through tasks or treated them as routine. Instead, she consistently took the time to explain everything she was doing before she did it, making sure I felt informed and respected. She carefully reviewed each medication with me, often more than once, until she knew I fully understood its purpose. Her calm explanations helped reduce my anxiety and gave me confidence in my care.
“What truly set Kaleigh apart was the compassion she showed not only to me, but also to my wife and daughter. She made a point to include them in discussions, asking if they had any questions and ensuring they understood what was happening with my care. She regularly checked on them during their visits, making sure they were comfortable and had everything they needed. In moments when my family felt worried or overwhelmed, Kayleigh’s reassuring presence brought them comfort and peace of mind.
“Kaleigh treated me with dignity at all times, even during moments that were uncomfortable or difficult. She was attentive to my needs, gentle in her care, and consistently aware of how I was feeling, both physically and emotionally. Her compassion was evident not just in what she did, but in how she did it: through her tone, her patience, and her willingness to truly listen.
“Kaleigh’s devotion and skilled passion for nursing made a lasting impact on me and my family. She did far more than provide excellent clinical care, she created an environment of trust, comfort, and understanding during one of the most challenging experiences of my life. Kaleigh Jones truly exemplifies the spirit of the DAISY Award through her unwavering compassion, exceptional communication, and heartfelt commitment to the well-being of both patients and families.”
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.
