December 02, 2024

Healthcare Heartbeat is a show produced by Avant Healthcare Professionals for international healthcare professionals and hospital leaders. In this podcast, we hear from Bonnie Barnes, the co-founder of the DAISY Foundation and refelct on the past 25 years.

In This Episode...

On this episode of Healthcare Heartbeat, a podcast by Avant Healthcare Professionals, host Ross Herosian sits down with co-founder of the DAISY Foundation, Bonnie Barnes. They reflect on the journey of the DAISY Foundation and explore some exciting new initiatives on the horizon. 

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Topics We Cover

What is the DAISY Foundation?

Bonnie shared the heartfelt story behind the foundation's inception, which began 25 years ago after her son Patrick passed away from complications of ITP. She emphasized the profound impact of nurses' compassionate care on her family during Patrick's hospitalization. The DAISY Foundation was created to express gratitude and recognize the exceptional work of nurses, a concept that was virtually nonexistent at the time. Bonnie's insights highlight the importance of meaningful recognition in healthcare and the ongoing initiatives of the DAISY Foundation.

The impact of Gratitude and Recognition

The foundation's simple yet powerful idea of allowing patients, families, and coworkers to express gratitude to nurses has grown significantly over the past 25 years. This growth is largely due to the creativity and innovation of nurses who have embraced and expanded the program.

A study was conducted by the DAISY Foundation in 2019 at Beaumont Health explored the impact of gratitude and recognition on patients and families. The study revealed that writing DAISY Award nominations had a healing effect on the nominators, creating a sense of balance and a stronger connection to the healthcare organization. Despite the pandemic's interruption, the foundation is now expanding this research to gain further insights.

Throughout its 25-year journey, the DAISY Foundation has continually evolved, incorporating feedback and ideas from nurses to enhance its programs and ensure meaningful recognition remains a core aspect of healthcare.

The Future of DAISY

Bonnie highlights the powerful impact of recognizing these nurses' contributions, which fosters a supportive and respectful environment. She also shares her excitement about the foundation's growth, noting that over the past 25 years, the DAISY Foundation has received 3 million submissions and honored 270,000 nurses. This remarkable achievement underscores the foundation's commitment to celebrating the extraordinary work of nurses worldwide.

TThe organization is actively working on new initiatives and expansions to further its mission. One of the key focuses is bringing DAISY recognition to an international audience. Currently, the foundation honors nurses in 41 countries, including the United States. This international growth aims to cultivate a culture of gratitude and recognition, making healthcare environments more positive for nurses globally.

To support this expansion, the DAISY Foundation is appointing a representative for Europe and the United Kingdom, a recently retired Chief Nurse who will help drive the foundation's mission in these regions. Additionally, the foundation is working in South America, Asia, Southeast Asia, and other parts of the world to spread the message of meaningful recognition.

Another significant initiative is the foundation's effort to change the public narrative about nurses. The DAISY Foundation is working with nursing organizations across the United States to elevate the public's perception of nurses and highlight their vital role in healthcare. This initiative includes accepting DAISY Award nominations on the foundation's website and engaging the public through various campaigns.

In conclusion, Bonnie expresses her gratitude for the support and collaboration of healthcare professionals and organizations worldwide. She emphasized that the DAISY Foundation's success is a testament to the incredible work of nurses and the importance of recognizing their contributions. The foundation's ongoing efforts to expand internationally, provide resources, and change the public narrative about nurses ensure that meaningful recognition remains a core aspect of healthcare.

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