The DAISY Foundation was formed in November 1999, by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died at the age of 33 of complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). The nursing care Patrick received when hospitalized profoundly touched his family, and is what led them to create The DAISY Foundation. Through the award and other programs, we honor the super-human work nurses do for our patients and families every day. DAISY stands for:

  • Diseases
  • Attacking the
  • Immune
  • SYstem
The DAISY Award logo

Current Winner

Bay Area Hospital is proud to partner with The DAISY Foundation to honor the compassionate care of our extraordinary nurses throughout the year. We have been participating in the global DAISY program since 2016, and have awarded several of our nurses who have been nominated for providing extraordinary acts of compassionate care and clinical excellence every day in their work with our patients.

Our Spring 2024 DAISY Award winner is Colby Gillett, a registered nurse working in our Bay Area Cancer Center.

COLBY GILLETT’S NOMINATION:

“Colby showed great compassion on one of our patients who was at the end of her life and in the hospital.  Colby went and sat with her in her room in ICU for several hours after their shift at work.  He did this so her family friend, who had been with her for several days, could have a small break, as he didn’t want the patient to be alone or without someone in the room with her. Having a nurse watch over you as Colby did, is like having your own Angel on Earth watching over you.  I am sure the family was thankful to him for the time and effort to provide this comfort. The staff here are very appreciated and feel very fortunate to have such a person working here with us.  Colby leads by prime example.  He provides leadership and dedication to keep the patients best interest in mind and will do what he can to accommodate their needs. Often, Colby will be the last one to leave to ensure everyone gets their treatment as ordered and will be kind and considerate throughout the toughest days.  Colby advocates for the patients when he sees a need and never shows an emotion of frustration or irritation, but has a kind and quiet demeanor and listens to understand.  I have witnessed Colby’s actions when there was a near code situation, and by having the skills of a nurse who has gone through codes in the past, he provided assurance and guidance while keeping in good communication with the rest of the team and doing what was best for the patient.  Colby’s qualities are helping us to build Healthcare to a higher standard and we are working better together to assist our patients who are always looking to us for the best care.  Thank you, Colby, for your kindness and dedication!”

Past Winners

  • 2024
    • Skyler Walton, RN
  • 2023
    • Grace-Ann Nichols, RN
    • Shayla Campbell, RN
  • 2022
    • Sue Mathews, RN
    • Tina Winfrey, RN
    • Marsia Thamy, RN
  • 2021
    • Emily Miller, RN
    • Melinda West, Patient Care Services Clinical Manager
  • 2020
    • Kara Sharrai, Post Surgical Unit (PSU) Nurse
    • Samantha Zilz, Wound Clinic Nurse
  • 2019
    • Angie Webster, Director of Clinical & Professional Development
    • Noah Nicolle, Rapid Evaluation Unit (REU) Nurse
  • 2018 - 2016
    • Karla Sheets, Float Pool Nurse
    • Sandra Lucatero, Emergency Department (ED) Nurse
    • Craig Palen, Post Surgical Unit (PSU) Nurse
    • Rose Goffinet, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse
    • Tricia Smith, Medical Care Unit (MCU) Nurse
    • Michael Evanson, Medical Care Unit (MCU) Nurse
    • Angie Andersen, Case Management and Social Services Supervisor

Make a Nomination

Have you experienced exceptional care while you or a family member were a patient at Bay Area Hospital? Please consider nominating your nurse for the DAISY Award and telling us your story! Please see the examples from previous winners above of the kind of information we need to nominate your nurse. Other ideas include:

  • How did this nurse make a special connection with you?
  • Describe a situation where this nurse went above and beyond
  • Share an example where extraordinary compassion was used

To make a nomination please contact Bay Area Hospital’s DAISY Program Director:

Email: sandra.maddux@bayareahospital.org

Please preface your email to let Sandra know that you are making a DAISY Award nomination. If you would like to fill out, print, and mail in a form, the form can be found here. Please mail these to: Bay Area Hospital, Attn: Sandra Maddux, 1775 Thompson Road, Coos Bay, OR 97420.

For more information about The DAISY Award, please view The DAISY Foundation website here.