Our latest DAISY Award winner is Nichole Gray!

A program to recognize the care and compassion of extraordinary nurses continues at UHS with Nichole Gray, BSN, RN, UHS Wilson Medical Center, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), being named the December winner of the DAISY Award! Nichole was recognized and presented with the award for the achievement and enjoyed cinnamon rolls, a symbolic treat in honor of Patrick Barnes, whose experience inspired the award.

The ICU nurse was nominated by the patient's husband. In the husband's nomination letter, he wrote how Nichole became a beacon of hope, strength and kindness during a difficult time. Her empathy and attentiveness helped ease the emotional weight they were carrying. He went on to write about her skill and dedication, giving them peace of mind knowing his wife was in the best hands possible. The letter also recalled a specific moment when his wife was feeling anxious, and he was struggling to stay composed. Niki sat with them, speaking gently and reassuringly, helping them find a sense of calm in the chaos and taking the time to explain everything with such clarity and patience, ensuring they understood each step of the process.

"What stood out the most was Niki’s ability to connect on a human level. She treated us not as just another case but as individuals, respecting our emotions, fears, and hopes. Her compassion extended beyond medical care; she truly cared for us as people, which made all the difference," said the nominating husband.  "It is rare to meet someone who can blend clinical expertise with such heartfelt empathy, and I feel truly blessed to have encountered such a remarkable person. Her impact goes beyond the walls of the ICU – she made an indelible mark on my heart."

Thank you to Nichole for displaying such Compassion and Respect to your patients and their families, a stellar example of our team living "The UHS Way!"

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. The DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after the Seattle man died from complications of the auto-immune disease ITP in 1999. During his hospitalization, the family members deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his loved ones. When he died, they felt compelled to say thank you to nurses in a very public way. To learn more, visit DAISYFoundation.org. 

Started at UHS in April 2021, nurses are nominated by anyone in the organization - patients, family members, other nurses, physicians, other clinicians and staff - anyone who experiences or observes extraordinary care being provided by a nurse.

Nominations are submitted by using a form found on NYUHS.org. On this form, the person will be able to tell the story of why they are nominating the nurse while also choosing which UHS Value (Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, Innovation) the nurse displayed.

If you have any questions, please contact Toni Nash at (607) 763-6896 or send an email to daisy@nyuhs.org.