University of North Georgia (UNG) senior Sydney Glouse received the first ever student DAISY Award given by Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS). DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.

"I am incredibly thankful to receive the first student DAISY Award at any of the NGHS campuses, as it represents not just my individual efforts but also the collective support and inspiration I've received from my colleagues and mentors. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and compassion that drives our work in health care," Glouse, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, said.  "I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of my journey. Your encouragement and belief in me have made a profound impact."   

The DAISY Award is a recognition program to celebrate and recognize nurses based upon nominations from patients, families and co-workers. It is run by DAISY Foundation partners, like NGHS, to thank nurses for the care and kindness they provide.

"This year has marked ten years of honoring nurses with the DAISY Award at NGHS. It is also the 25th year of The DAISY Foundation, so we knew we wanted to celebrate in a big way," Melissa Rouse, NGMC Gainesville chief nursing officer, said. 

Glouse is the first ever award recipient among all student nurses within NGHS and received a Daisy pin, and other Daisy-related items.

"The DAISY award inspires me to continue providing the best care possible and to honor the values of empathy and excellence that it embodies," Glouse said.

Cindy Ware, Glouse's clinical instructor, nominated Glouse by highlighting the student's attitude and willingness to try new things.

"From the moment I met Sydney, she was eager to learn and not scared of anything. Whenever there is an opportunity to perform a new skill, she is always the first to say, 'I will try it.' Sydney has a positive attitude and a passion for excellence, making study guides to help her fellow students prepare and study for exams," Ware said. "There is never a task that is beneath Sydney. She is always jumping in and helping with activities of daily life care or starting an IV. Nothing is too big or too small when it comes to nursing care. I am proud to be part of her nursing journey."

Glouse is from Cumming, Georgia. She is in the second cohort of the accelerated BSN program at UNG, having earned a degree in biology from another University System of Georgia institution. She hopes to further her education and become a family nurse practitioner.

"Our North Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) facilities see many nursing students throughout the year, and we appreciate their fresh and eager minds coming in to learn how to care for patients. We are thankful that Sydney chose to participate in the UNG Accelerated BSN program, which is how we were fortunate enough to have her serving at our NGMC campuses for clinical experience," Rouse said. "Nursing school can be challenging and competitive but also rewarding, which is why The DAISY Foundation created the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students. The goal is to recognize and celebrate nursing students who demonstrate commitment to care and compassion and elevate the nurse-patient connection."

NGHS includes Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) doctor’s offices and medical park buildings as well as Georgia Heart Institute (GHI). NGMC refers specifically to the medical centers/hospital campuses. DAISY is a program open to all NGHS nurses, but the students are only doing clinicals at the NGMC facilities, Kalie Green, nursing communications specialist, said.

NGHS is excited to start this tradition of honoring nursing students who provide exceptional care and show exemplary clinical skills while helping care for our patients, Rouse said.