DAISY Award

October 3, 2024

DAISY Award spotlight: ‘I felt scared and alone until Miss Emily walked into my room.’

Emily Turner, BSN, RN, works on the 9 North Surgical Specialties unit of Vanderbilt University Hospital. She is one of the latest DAISY Award winners at VUMC.

Emily Turner, RN, BSN. (photo by Erin O. Smith)

Emily Turner, BSN, RN, works on the 9 North Surgical Specialties unit of Vanderbilt University Hospital. She is one of the latest DAISY Award winners at VUMC.

From the nomination

“I still remember my second night in the hospital, feeling scared and alone, until Miss Emily walked into my room. Her warm smile and gentle demeanor immediately put me at ease. Without even knowing the reason for my hospitalization, she assured me that everything would be all right. That was the first time I felt a sense of calm since being admitted. As she checked on my vitals and administered my medications, Miss Emily struck up a conversation with me. She asked about my interests and hobbies, and genuinely listened to my responses. It was then that I realized she wasn’t just a nurse, but also a friend.”

About DAISY Awards

The DAISY Award is a recognition for extraordinary nurses who exemplify compassion toward patients and families.

VUMC 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.

VUMC 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. Nominations may be made here.