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For USI Nurse Educators and Students
DAISY Foundation Award®

Daisy Foundation LogoUSI Nursing is pleased to present The DAISY Award® for extraordinary USI nurse educators and USI nursing students.

The DAISY Foundation™ was established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died from complications of the autoimmune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) at the age of 33. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem.

The DAISY Award is in over 6,000 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing internationally. It is a recognition program for nurses wherever they practice, in whatever role they serve, and throughout their careers–from nursing student through lifetime achievement.

Congrats to our 2025 Daisy Honorees

Gina Schaar, DNP, RN
USI Associate Professor of Nursing

Dr. Gina Schaar is the first recipient of The DAISY Award® for extraordinary USI nurse educators. She has been a member of the USI nursing faculty for more than 30 years. Her nominator wrote: "She shows so much passion for nursing and helps her students feel the same way. She asks us questions to help us learn and grow in nursing. Gina is truly the best educator I have ever had, and I’m so grateful for all she has and will continue to teach me!"

Lily Sinnett '25
Senior, USI BSN Program

Lily Sinnett of Henderson, Kentucky, is the recipient of USI's first DAISY Award® for extraordinary nursing students. Lily's nominator said: "Lily was my student nurse during a very hard hospital stay for me. She was very kind, caring, and attentive to my needs the whole time. She had the chance to practice a few skills on me, and every time she made sure to talk me through the whole thing so I knew what to expect. Lily will be a great nurse."

The DAISY Award
for Extraordinary USI Nurse Educators

Eligibility/Who may receive a Faculty DAISY Award?

  • Full-Time USI Nursing Faculty
  • Part-Time USI Nursing Faculty

Criteria:

  1. Models professional nursing attributes.
  2. Demonstrates enthusiasm for teaching, learning, and nursing that inspires and motivates students.
  3. Demonstrates interest in and respect for learners.
  4. Uses personal attributes that facilitate professional growth. (Examples: caring, confidence, patience, integrity, and flexibility.
  5. Demonstrates fair and unbiased in his/her treatment of individual students.
  6. Exhibits excellent interpersonal skills.
  7. Develops collaborative working relationships with students and colleagues.

Nominations will be accepted September 3 through December 31, 2024.

You may only nominate one nurse educator per annual award cycle.

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary USI Nursing Students

Eligibility/Who may receive a Student DAISY Award?

  • Baccalaureate (BSN) and RN-BSN Students
  • MSN Students
  • DNP Students

Criteria:

  1. Demonstrates commitment to compassionate care of patients and families.
  2. Establishes a connection with patients, families and peers by building trust and respect.
  3. Advocates strongly for patients and families.
  4. Demonstrates exemplary professional behaviors. Examples: Respectful, accountable, responsible, great communicator, ethical, culturally sensitive, system’s thinker, advocate for patient needs and patient safety.
  5. Demonstrates exemplary team behaviors. Examples: Civil, helpful, cooperative, can lead and follow, supportive, encourager and mentor.

Nominations will be accepted September 3 through December 31, 2024.

You may only nominate one nursing student per annual award cycle.