Meet Our Daisy & BEE Award Winners

A patient nominated Diana for the award, detailing how her compassion and skills helped them through their inpatient stay: “This nurse has what it takes to work in psych. They can smile and laugh with patients but can also be no-nonsense when the situation calls for it. I was being treated for a psychiatric condition that made my stay on the unit extremely difficult. On more than one occasion I had to get my room searched or my body searched. It was very hard time for me. I didn't want to be alive. I didn't care about anything, and I gave up on pretending to care. This nurse was my nurse each time the searches happened. This nurse was very attentive, compassionate, and caring. This nurse had what it took to care about me when I couldn’t. This nurse said it’s their responsibility to care when I cannot. I'm forever grateful to them. Their kind demeanor and words of solace will never be forgotten.”

Robert was nominated by a colleague, who shared the following story: “… When serving as a charge nurse, he still finds the time to spend hours with as many patients as possible every shift... I can remember him speaking to a specific patient who I can call "Tim"... Seeing that Tim had difficulty getting his peers to interact, this nurse would spend hours on a daily basis ensuring that Tim felt as though he belonged and was able to give him a sense of confidence in his own interests. This allowed Tim to become more confident when interacting with his peers in the milieu and led to Tim being able to reap far more of the benefits of a therapeutic milieu. This is thank you in no small part to his efforts to not only maintain the basic safety of his patients, but also foster an environment and milieu where patients can be reminded that they are far more than cases, but in fact human beings deserving of attention, care, and compassion.”

Cardesza received several nominations. Here's one from a colleague that highlights what makes her an extraordinary mental health worker: "Her compassion and empathy shines through in everything she does. She consistently goes above and beyond in her care for the children—not only by tending to their hygiene and personal needs with gentleness and respect, but also ensuring the environment around them is clean, safe, and comforting. Her dedication is unwavering. Every day, she shows up with purpose and a quiet strength, never seeking recognition but always earning it. She treats each child with dignity and kindness, and her presence brings a sense of calm and reassurance to both staff and families alike. Her work ethic, reliability, and genuine concern for others make her an invaluable part of the team. She doesn’t just do the work—she elevates the standard for what care should look like."

LaTrelle’s commitment to going the extra mile for patients was celebrated in this nomination, written by a patient: “LaTrelle went above and beyond by finding me resources about self-love and self-worth. He also found resources to give to my family on how to treat a mental health patient that is newly discharged. I appreciate him greatly...”