Recognizing Excellence and Compassion in Nursing Education
The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is proud to participate in the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students, a national recognition program that honors nursing students who demonstrate exceptional compassion, professionalism, and commitment to patient-centered care.
The DAISY Award® is administered by the DAISY Foundation™, an international organization dedicated to recognizing the extraordinary impact of nurses and nursing students across academic and clinical settings.
Why the DAISY Award® Matters
The DAISY Award® reinforces the core values of the nursing profession and supports the development of professional identity among nursing students. Evidence shows that meaningful recognition programs like DAISY contribute to positive learning and clinical environments by:
- Elevating compassionate, patient- and family-centered care
- Reinforcing professionalism, ethical practice, and empathy
- Supporting student confidence, resilience, and engagement
- Highlighting excellence in nursing education and practice
By recognizing students who consistently exceed expectations, the DAISY Award® underscores the importance of compassion as an essential component of clinical excellence.
Eligibility
The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nursing Students is open to graduating students in the following programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Second Degree Nursing
Eligible students exemplify:
- Passion for the profession of nursing and compassion for patients
- Empathy in the situation
- Trust and collaboration with patients, families, peers, faculty, and the interdisciplinary team
- Admirable attributes
- Love for the patient and the nursing profession
- Selflessness
Who May Nominate a Student
Nominations may be submitted by individuals who have directly observed or experienced a nursing student’s care, including:
- Patients and their family members
- Clinical instructors and preceptors
- Faculty and staff
Nominations should describe specific examples of how the student made a meaningful difference through their actions, communication, or advocacy.
How to Submit a Nomination
Nominations are accepted through the College’s DAISY Award® for Nursing Students form.
Submit a BSN nomination »
BSN Student Nomination Deadline: March 1
Submit a Second Degree nomination »
Second Degree Student Nomination Deadline: November 1
When submitting a nomination, consider how the student demonstrated compassion, professionalism, or leadership beyond what was required or expected.
Recognition Process:
- All nominated students receive acknowledgment of their nomination.
- Selected recipients are formally recognized by the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing for exemplifying the values of the nursing profession.
Advancing Excellence in Nursing
The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is committed to preparing nurses who lead with knowledge, integrity, and compassion. The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nursing Students supports this mission by recognizing those who embody these values throughout their academic and clinical experiences.
Nominate a nursing student and help recognize excellence in nursing education.
