The AWHONN DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in Neonatal, Obstetric, and Women’s Health

The DAISY Foundation and AWHONN are proud to recognize an exceptional nurse who embodies the heart of nursing and makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others with the AWHONN DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in Neonatal, Obstetric, and Women’s Health.

This award celebrates a nurse whose commitment to caring for those around them reflects the values and mission of AWHONN. The award recognizes the many ways nurses make a difference each day through their dedication, compassion, and commitment to those they serve and support.

The DAISY Foundation honors nurses for the extraordinary impact they have on patients, families, colleagues, and communities. Together, AWHONN and the DAISY Foundation celebrate a nurse whose work represents the profound difference one nurse can make.

What is the DAISY Foundation and the DAISY Award?

The DAISY Foundation is a nonprofit established in 1999. It was started in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who at the age of 33 was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia). After Pat passed, the Barnes family knew they wanted to honor him. Pat’s family experienced first-hand the difference his nurses made in his care through clinical excellence and outstanding compassionate care. The family created The DAISY Award, which stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem, to express gratitude to nurses and to enable patients, families, and staff to thank and honor nurses.

Please visit DAISYFoundation.org to learn more about Pat's story, The DAISY Foundation and The DAISY Award.

Eligibility and Polices

Who May Submit a Nomination

  • The Nominator (to be called the Submitting Member) must be a current AWHONN member in good standing at the time the nomination is submitted.
  • A Submitting Member may nominate multiple individuals and may submit as many nominations as they wish, provided each Nominee meets all eligibility requirements.
  • Members of the AWHONN Board of Directors, DAISY Award Subcommittee, and AWHONN staff may not submit nominations or be nominated for the award during their tenure in these roles.
  • To be eligible for this award, individuals must not have received another AWHONN award within the past three (3) years.

Multiple Nominations 

  • A Nominee may receive nominations from multiple eligible Submitting Members. However, a Submitting Member may submit only one nomination for the same Nominee during a nomination period.
  • Each valid nomination submitted by a different Submitting Member for the same Nominee will be treated as a separate and independent application and will be reviewed and scored independently.
  • Multiple nominations for the same Nominee will not be combined, averaged, or consolidated for purposes of review or scoring. Each nomination will constitute a separate entry in the evaluation process.
  • One honoree may be selected for the AWHONN DAISY Award in each established award category each year. AWHONN may add or revise award categories in the future.

Nominee Eligibility 

  • Current or past AWHONN membership is not required for the Nominee.
  • The nominee must be a licensed nurse, including LPN/LVN, APRN, NP, or other licensed nursing professional.
  • An individual who has received or been notified of receiving a DAISY Award from AWHONN or another organization within the 12 months preceding the annual nomination deadline (i.e., the date nominations close for the applicable award year) is not eligible for consideration.

Get your questions answered by watching the latest information session.

Nominate an Extraordinary Nurse Today!

Help us recognize an exceptional nurse whose compassion, dedication, and commitment make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Submit your nomination for the AWHONN DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in Neonatal, Obstetric, and Women’s Health and help celebrate the extraordinary impact nurses make every day.

Nominations Open: September 30, 2026
Nominations Close: October 28, 2026

Award notifications will be made in mid to late February, in accordance with the DAISY Foundation’s notification policy. The award recipient will be recognized during the AWHONN Convention.

Questions? Contact awards@awhonn.org.