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"Her ability to combine clinical expertise with genuine empathy helps transform stressful situations into positive and memorable experiences." 

Health Carousel International (HCI) is the exclusive International Advocate for the DAISY Foundation. Since 2018, through its PassportUSA program, HCI has been honoring international and traveling RNs who demonstrate exceptional clinical skill and compassion in bedside care with the DAISY Award.

The following HCI staff members traveled to Charlottesville to present the award to Sahaya Bose, RN, C-EFM, Mother/Baby:

• Vice President and Associate Chief Nursing Officer Donita Ross, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CGNC
• Chief Operating Officer Erik Schumann
• Senior Account Manager Michael Quilter
• Head of Client Success Ella Oerther

"It's a tremendous honor to present this DAISY Award and celebrate such an extraordinary nurse," shares Ross. "I am incredibly proud of her accomplishments, her unwavering commitment to excellence, and the impact she makes every day. She truly embodies Health Carousel/PPUSA's dedication to quality and purpose — helping ensure that every patient has access to a qualified healthcare professional when and where they need one."

Jenny Ernest, Nursing Governance Coordinator, Nursing Professional Governance Office, and Theresa "TJ" Lovdal, BSN, RN, CCRN, Clinical Program Coordinator, Workforce Initiatives Team, UVA Health, also joined the presentation. “Sahaya's impact on her team and her patients is so evident — it's such a pleasure to surprise her with the Health Carousel team! We're so glad to have her on the UVA Health team. Congratulations, Sahaya!"

Brianna Russell, MSN, RN, CNL, C-EFM, Nurse Manager, Mother/Baby, nominated Bose:

"Sahaya exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional nurse through her unwavering compassion, professionalism, and commitment to patient-centered care. In the past five months alone, she has received three patient nominations recognizing the extraordinary impact she has had on patients and their families during some of their most vulnerable moments.

"Patients consistently describe Sahaya as a calming and reassuring presence who goes beyond providing excellent clinical care. Whether caring for an expectant mother experiencing complications, or supporting a family during the birth of their child — she takes the time to explain procedures, answer questions, and ensure patients feel informed, safe, and supported.

"Her ability to combine clinical expertise with genuine empathy helps transform stressful situations into positive and memorable experiences. What stands out most is the consistency of the feedback she receives. Multiple patients have independently highlighted her kindness, patience, communication skills, and ability to make them feel like family — rather than just another patient.

"Her dedication not only improves patient outcomes — but also leaves a lasting impression on those she serves. Sahaya's repeated recognition from patients reflects the meaningful difference she makes every day. She embodies the values of compassionate caregiving and excellence in nursing and is highly deserving of this award."

Here is one of the patient nominations:

"I was admitted for high blood pressure. I was very scared and nervous. Once I arrived, Sahaya didn't waste any time getting me comfortable and starting me on my meds to bring my blood pressure down.

"She is full of smiles! She really made me feel like family and not just a room number. She didn't just provide healthcare — she provided a sanctuary and reassurance to me and to my baby. I would love for her to be my nurse once I deliver. I will never forget her. Thank you, Sahaya, it means a lot to me!"

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.

"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.

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