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ENA and DAISY Foundation Unite to Honor Nurses

In a remarkable partnership, the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) and the DAISY Foundation have come together to celebrate the crucial contributions of nurses, especially during National Nurses Week. This collaboration shines a spotlight on the remarkable dedication of nurses who profoundly impact the lives of their patients and families.

Established in 1999, the DAISY Foundation was created to honor exceptional nurses and ensure their hard work does not go unnoticed. The DAISY Award serves as a testament to the extraordinary care provided by nurses around the world. With this new partnership, ENA and DAISY aim to enhance the visibility of emergency and forensic nurses who receive this prestigious international award.

According to Dustin Bass, ENA's President and a registered nurse, "Nurses do outstanding work, often in moments only a few others ever know about, so it is deeply meaningful for a nurse to know they are seen, valued, and appreciated." The DAISY Award not only recognizes clinical excellence but also emphasizes the compassion and emotional support that nurses offer. It brings to light the significant role nurses play in healthcare, making their contributions even more visible and celebrated.

The foundation of the DAISY Award lies in the life of Patrick Barnes, who was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and spent two months in the hospital in 1999. During his time in the hospital, he and his family experienced the care of remarkable nurses—professionals who combined medical expertise with kindness and compassion. Following Patrick's passing, his family transformed their grief into the DAISY Foundation, advocating for recognition of nurses everywhere.

Bonnie Barnes, Patrick's stepmother and co-founder of the DAISY Foundation, expressed her passion for recognizing emergency and forensic nurses: "They create a human connection with patients and families in an instant. We are thrilled to partner with ENA to shine a light on this vital practice." This affirmation reflects the earnestness of both organizations in working collaboratively to celebrate the essential roles nurses play in healthcare settings.

With this collaboration, ENA has committed to featuring the stories of award recipients from emergency and forensic nursing specialties through their social media platforms, website, and events, including the upcoming Emergency Nursing 2026 in Phoenix. This initiative seeks to honor not just the individual nurses but also to reinforce the importance of emergency care as a critical component of the healthcare system.

Founded in 1970, the ENA is the leading professional organization for emergency nurses, playing a vital role in shaping the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, and research. With a membership base of 40,000 worldwide, ENA works tirelessly to enhance patient safety and develop best practices in emergency care.

As both ENA and the DAISY Foundation aim to elevate the nursing profession, this collaboration serves as a reminder of the critical support that nurses provide during times of crisis. Their efforts resonate not just within the walls of hospitals but also among families whose lives they touch every day. By elevating the voices of these extraordinary nurses, the partnership between ENA and DAISY highlights the importance of compassion in healthcare and ensures that the invaluable work of nurses is recognized and celebrated.

As we honor the contributions of nurses during this special week, it’s essential to acknowledge that their impact extends far beyond the call of duty. Through collaboration, the ENA and the DAISY Foundation continue to celebrate and recognize the vital work of emergency and forensic nurses who tirelessly serve their communities, advocating for their recognition and ensuring they receive the honor they deserve. By announcing this partnership, the two organizations signal a commitment to appreciating the unseen yet profound ways in which nurses impact lives, providing them with the admiration and recognition they have earned.