FAQs for the Daisy Award for International Neuroscience Nurse Leadership

The DAISY Award for International Neuroscience Nurse Leadership

Question: What is the DAISY Award?

Answer: The DAISY Foundation, standing for Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem, was created to honor the memory of J. Patrick Barnes who was diagnosed with the auto-immune disease ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura). The DAISY Award for Extraordinary International Nurses was created to recognize kind and compassionate nursing care in honor of the care received by Patrick and his family. The DAISY Award honors the super-human work nurses do for patients and families every day wherever they practice, in whatever role they serve, and throughout their careers. 

Question: Who may nominate a nurse?

Answer: Anyone may submit a nomination – patients, family members, co-workers, physicians, staff – anyone who experiences or observes extraordinary compassionate care being provided by a neuroscience nurse.  Nominees, however, must be members of their country’s neuroscience nursing society/organization, and that society/organization must be a current member of the WFNN.  To find out whether your society/organization is a member of the WFNN, check out our Partners page.

Question: What will the recipient receive in recognition?

Answer: DAISY Award Honorees receive:

• A certificate held in a handsome portfolio, proclaiming the recipient an “Extraordinary International Neuroscience Nurse Leader.” Nurses or The DAISY Nurse Leader Award for Extraordinary Nurses in Neuroscience
• A DAISY Award pin 
• A unique, hand-carved serpentine stone sculpture from Zimbabwe, entitled “A Healer’s Touch.” Click here for more about these beautiful works of art.
• A Spotlight page on the DAISY Foundation and WFNN websites, featuring a photo and telling the story of why this nurse was honored
• A DAISY presentation (either in their unit or at a more public gathering). During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual ceremonies were conducted to honor recipients.  The presentation generally takes place in the nurse’s place of employment, often as a surprise to the Honoree.  

Question: How is a neuroscience nurse chosen to receive The DAISY Award for International Neuroscience Nurse Leadership?

Answer: A DAISY Award is given annually to a deserving neuroscience nurse.  The nurse must be a member of a nursing organization that has a current membership with the WFNN.  The selection criteria are based on the joint values of the DAISY Foundation and the WFNN.  Recipients of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary International Nurses in Neuroscience will:

• Demonstrate outstanding neuroscience clinical skills 
• Share expertise by educating nurses, patients, and families
• Participate in continuing education and professional development activities
• Model respectful relationships with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team
• Utilize scientific knowledge and innovative strategies in providing care to neuroscience patients, improving safety and patient outcomes
• Serve as a mentor for other nurses
• Advocate for global neuroscience nursing

Question: Who selects the winner of the Award?

Answer: A selection committee comprised of WFNN and Executive Board members will be formed annually. They will be tasked with announcing the Call-For-Nominations, reviewing all submitted nomination applications, and selecting and announcing the winner.

Question: What are the deadlines for this Award?

Answer: Nominations open on the 15th of January each year and applications can be submitted until April 15th.  

Question: How do I submit a nomination?

Answer: Please use this form to submit your nomination. 

Question:  Who is WFNN?

Answer:  The World Federation of Neuroscience Nurses (WFNN) is an international nursing organization whose purpose is to encourage and provide the opportunity for personal association of neuroscience nurses throughout the world.  WFNN aids in the education, exchange, and dissemination of scientific knowledge and ideas in the field of neuroscience nursing as well as encourages scientific research and development and evidence-based practice in neuroscience nursing.