Honoring Compassionate Care: Celebrating HCI’s Daisy Award Winners in Tribute to Pat’s Day of Joy

In Honor of Pat’s Day of Joy: A Celebration of Healing, Hope, and Heart

On April 10, Health Carousel International joined many across the healthcare community in honoring Pat’s Day of Joy—a day dedicated to remembering the life and legacy of Patrick Barnes, whose experience inspired the creation of the DAISY Foundation. While the day itself has passed, the spirit of celebration continues as we spotlight the exceptional nurses who embody the essence of compassionate care.

The DAISY Foundation was established by the Barnes family to recognize the profound difference that nurses make in the lives of patients and families. At Health Carousel International (HCI), this mission is carried forward through the recognition of deployed healthcare professionals who exemplify both extraordinary clinical skill and heartfelt care.

The DAISY Award is deeply meaningful because it captures the power of a singular moment between a patient and a nurse. According to Earl Dalton, HCI’s Chief Clinical Officer & VP Clinical Services, “The DAISY Award is an incredibly meaningful award to nurses because the award recognizes a care moment between patient and caregiver. DAISY stands as a symbol of nurse professionalism, dedication and commitment to caring for our patients. It is incredibly gratifying for a nurse to be awarded a DAISY.”

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Meet Our DAISY Award Recipients: 2024–2025

Each DAISY Award recipient reflects the very best of nursing—clinical excellence, deep empathy, and a tireless commitment to those in their care. In the past year, these exceptional nurses have stood out for their compassion, skill, and unwavering dedication to patients and families.

Arvie Delos Santos, BSN, RN

Pediatrics – Little Rock, Arkansas

Arvie’s calm and compassionate presence has earned him multiple nominations from families at his pediatric facility. Known for his attentiveness and gentle demeanor, Arvie goes above and beyond to support both patients and caregivers. One family shared:

“Out of our five-month stay at Children’s, he is one of the nurses who has stood out the most to us. He is polite, respectful, and comes in multiple times to make sure we are okay—even being mindful when everyone is sleeping.”

Another nominator praised Arvie’s dedication and attitude:

“His bright smile and friendly personality make him an incredible pediatric RN. He truly encapsulates what it means to care deeply—not only for his patients, but for their families too.”

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Janice Vigilia, BSN, RN, CCRN

ICU – Decatur, Georgia

Janice brings heart and strength to every shift. Since arriving in the U.S., she has earned the admiration of her patients, colleagues, and unit leaders. A fellow nurse shared:

“She shows up to every shift with a smile, clinically manages high-acuity patients, and is always checking in on her peers to help them through busy shifts.”

Janice, a mother of three, often reflects on how her care mirrors what she would want for her own children. One parent said:

“Janice has really been the calm during the storm. She kept us updated, answered every question, and was always kind and welcoming. I’m so grateful for her.”

Her presentation titled “Life as a Pediatric Nurse” beautifully captures the journey of an international nurse navigating challenges while staying true to compassionate, safe, and family-centered care.

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Charm Christine C. De La Cruz, BSN, RN

Med-Surg – Cincinnati, Ohio

Charm’s story is one of full-circle inspiration. After completing the PassportUSA program and arriving in the U.S. just three months earlier, she found herself caring for a patient who turned out to be a member of the very team that helped her achieve her dream.

In a moment of connection and gratitude, Charm told the patient:

“Now that you all have taken great care of me, I assure you I will take exceptionally great care of you. As you were with me, I am here for you.”

This DAISY Award is not only a recognition of clinical skill, but a tribute to the humanity and gratitude Charm brings to the bedside every day.

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Daisy Kirwa, RN

Med-Surg – Dothan, Alabama

Daisy was nominated for a Daisy award at her facility, and she has only been working for less than 6 months. Her dedication to her patients and the compassionate care she provides go above and beyond and she has proven that in the short time she has been working in the USA.

"I have been in Southeast since July 3rd. For the first couple of days, I was in pain and not really able to convey my appreciation to the nursing staff. All of the staff that attended to me were great. However, there are always those chosen few that stand out as exceptional. Daisy was very understanding and concerned. She took time to listen. She takes pride in her job.”

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Why DAISY Recognition Matters

At HCI, the DAISY Award is more than a symbol—it's an affirmation of the values that define nursing excellence. It honors those who heal, comfort, and connect in ways that often go unnoticed but are deeply felt.

Christy Craft, Nurse Manager of HCI’s Quality Improvement Nursing (QIN) Team, describes the DAISY Award as one that “honors extraordinary nurses for their compassionate care and clinical excellence.” She notes that having HCI nurses recognized with this distinction reinforces the organization’s reputation for high-quality care and helps empower a strong nursing culture.

Recognition also plays a critical role in nurse engagement. “Being able to recognize outstanding work helps boost morale and can reignite their passion for the work they do each day,” Craft adds. “Receiving the DAISY Award encourages expressions of gratitude not just from patients and families but also among peers and leadership. Engaged and appreciated nurses are more focused, resilient, and empowered—leading to better patient care and fewer errors.”

Dalton echoes this belief: “At Health Carousel we believe that failure to recognize is a failure of good leadership. The most common response we get from a nurse who receives a DAISY award is, ‘I was just doing my job.’ How sad it would be if we didn’t highlight these incredible acts of service. Showing gratitude might be the only thing that ever has created more of what’s right in the world.”

Ryan Kiefer, Quality Improvement Nurse Specialist I, also emphasizes the global significance of the DAISY Award. “It is an honor to be able to recognize my peers who truly represent the deeper effects nurses can have on their patients and their families,” he shares. “The recognition provided through the DAISY Foundation allows nurses who may not know they are having a profound impact to be honored by an award that is respected around the world.”

Kiefer, who has presented the award to numerous HCI nurses across the U.S., has seen firsthand how powerful that recognition can be. “It has allowed me to see the positive impacts and contributions travel nurses can have at healthcare facilities around the United States.”

As Craft reflects, “Most nurses, when presented with the award, typically say, ‘I was just doing my job,’ but ultimately, they are touching lives in a way that goes far beyond the routine. They have lived out the higher purpose to heal, comfort, and connect.”

From Nominations to Lasting Impact

Many of our DAISY Award nominations include deeply personal anecdotes. Here are just a few excerpts that showcase the impact of our awardees:

“He made sure my husband felt like a person, not a patient. He remembered his stories, laughed with him, and even played his favorite music on rough days.”
— From a family nomination in Texas

“She advocated for my discharge when I felt unheard. Because of her, I left the hospital with dignity—and hope.”
— From a patient in New York

“He helped me understand my treatment plan when no one else had the time. He didn’t just give care. He gave clarity.”
— From a patient in Ohio

Capturing the Joy: DAISY Ceremonies in Action

Throughout the past year, HCI has celebrated DAISY Award recipients through small, heartfelt ceremonies—often involving fellow nurses, leaders, and even patients. From proud smiles to tearful embraces, these moments serve as powerful reminders of why we do what we do.

These celebrations bring joy not just to the honoree, but to everyone around them—and reaffirm our commitment to championing the extraordinary work of our nurses.

A Joyful Reflection and a Forward Look

As we reflect on Pat’s Day of Joy, we honor the legacy of a young man whose life inspired a global movement of gratitude—and the nurses who continue to carry that legacy forward each day. At Health Carousel International, we are privileged to work with such inspiring healthcare professionals who make a difference with every shift, every patient, every act of care.

To our DAISY Award winners: thank you for your service, your heart, and your unwavering commitment to patient care. You are what makes healthcare work better.