Kendra Pickens, a registered nurse at Atrium Health Floyd, recently received the prestigious DAISY Nurse Leader Award. This honor celebrates nurses who nurture an environment of compassionate care.
Kendra has dedicated over five years to Floyd, where she has made a lasting impact. Sheila Bennett, the senior vice president of patient services, praised Kendra’s humility and hard work. “You’re always thinking about a better way to do things,” Bennett said during the award presentation.
Kendra expressed her gratitude, saying, “It means a lot to receive this. My team and I work hard, and it’s rewarding to have that recognized.” She is passionate about fostering a strong nursing culture and supporting new nurses in delivering excellent care.
The DAISY Foundation, which presents this award, was created by the family of Patrick Barnes after he passed away from an auto-immune disease. They wanted to honor the nursing profession, and now, the DAISY awards celebrate nurses worldwide.
During the ceremony, Kendra received a DAISY pin and a unique sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” handcrafted by artisans from the Shona community in Zimbabwe. The award also included a sweet touch: cinnamon buns, which were a special food for Barnes during his hospital stay.
The DAISY Award reflects more than just individual achievements. Recent surveys show that recognition like this can significantly boost job satisfaction among nurses. According to a 2023 study by the American Nurses Association, 92% of nurses who received recognition felt more motivated in their roles.
In today’s challenging healthcare landscape, recognition is essential. Social media discussions about the DAISY Award highlight its importance in improving workplace morale. It shows how vital it is to acknowledge hard work in nursing, especially in these demanding times.
If you know a nurse at Atrium Health Floyd who has made a difference for you or a loved one, consider nominating them for a DAISY award. You can do this by filling out this online form.