Nursing Recognition

Critical care nurses at UC San Diego Health provide high-quality treatment and compassionate care in a healing environment. For patients, the treatment, education and support services that nurses provide in the hospital, especially in the ICU, can be deeply impactful and inspiring. Recently, a team in a progressive care unit at our Jacobs Medical Center was recognized by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) with the Beacon Award for Excellence in three areas: patient outcomes, work environment and nursing workforce. For nurses, this award demonstrates a positive and supportive work environment with greater collaboration and higher morale.

DAISY Awards

The DAISY Foundation was formed in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at 33 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). DAISY is an acronym for "Diseases Attacking the Immune System"

Patrick's family was profoundly touched by the care, compassion, and kindness provided by the nursing staff during his hospitalization. In memory of Patrick, his family was determined to find a way to honor the super-human work nurses do at the bedside every day.

The Daisy Award was created from the Barnes family's desire to celebrate and show appreciation to individual nurses, nursing teams and nurse leaders! For more information, please visit The DAISY Foundation.

How can you nominate a UC San Diego Health nurse, leader or team?

Use the Daisy Nomination Form to send your nomination.

Or, simply email us a great story about your positive UC San Diego Health experience. Be sure to include your nurse's name and unit. Email: [email protected]

What exemplifies our UC San Diego Health Daisy winners?

A unique characteristic of this nationally recognized Daisy award is participating hospitals are encouraged to develop their own criteria from which to select a Daisy Award winner.

The UC San Diego Health Daisy Committee created the following qualifications based on the organization's core values and mission to provide exceptional patient experiences. The winner:

• Demonstrates compassionate caring
• Provides exceptional communication while educating patients and their families
• Consistently focuses on meeting patient and family goals
• Significantly "makes a difference" in the life of a patient
• Not only listens with their ears but with their heart as well
• Goes above and beyond, working outside of their comfort zone when a critical situation may arise

Appreciation Events

Nurse Appreciation Night at Petco Park