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She "instinctively understood" not just the patient's medical needs, but also the emotional complexities the family was facing. 

"DAISY" stands for "Diseases Attacking the Immune System." The DAISY Award was established by The DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of only 33 of an autoimmune disease. The Barnes Family was awestruck by the clinical skills, caring, and compassion of his nurses — so they created this national award to thank nurses everywhere.

UVA Health University Medical Center Associate Chief Nursing Officer Veronica Brill, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, and DAISY Award Committee Chair Crystal Richard, MSN, RN, CCRN, surprised Haley Rhodes, BSN, RN, with a DAISY Award.

A patient nominated Rhodes:

"From the moment I was transferred to Haley’s ward, after two days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), it was immediately clear that she is an exceptional nurse. Upon our first meeting, Haley demonstrated a rare ability to listen deeply and respond with insight and precision. She instinctively understood not just my immediate medical needs, but also the emotional complexities I was facing. Haley’s professional knowledge and skill never wavered — she anticipated what I required, often before I could fully articulate it myself, and addressed my concerns with compassion and expertise.

"As someone with a science background, I particularly appreciated that Haley engaged me on a level that respected my knowledge and never oversimplified my care. She explained my condition and the interventions with clarity and honesty, fostering trust and encouraging my involvement in the care process.

"When I experienced unexplained abdominal pain, Haley responded promptly and thoughtfully — contacting doctors to consider necessary scans and adjusting medications. The medicines helped, and she never made me feel as though my concerns were burdensome or unfounded.

"Haley’s care extended beyond my physical recovery and touched my family as well. My daughter was deeply affected by seeing me — her mother — in a weakened state after significant weight loss during my hospitalization and preceding problems with nausea. This was a highly emotional and sensitive topic for both of us.

"Haley responded with remarkable empathy and wisdom, speaking to my daughter in a soft, calming manner and gently reminding her that everyone’s health journey is unique, and what is right for one person may not be right for another. Haley’s words brought comfort and understanding in a moment of distress, opening a much-needed dialogue between my daughter and me that we had never managed before.

"Haley’s approach to care is, in a word: transformative. She embodies the very spirit of nursing — combining professional excellence with extraordinary kindness and intuition. Her dedication not only met my physical needs, but also addressed the emotional wellbeing of both myself and my daughter during a vulnerable and challenging time.

"I am profoundly grateful for Haley’s presence, expertise, and compassion. She deserves the DAISY Award for her outstanding commitment to holistic, patient-centered care. I sincerely hope she receives the recognition she so greatly deserves!"

Know a Fabulous Nurse?

The Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center nurses each month with a DAISY Award.

At UVA Health University Medical Center — patients or their families, visitors, and team members may submit a DAISY Award nomination.