Beyond the Call: One Nurse’s Inspiring Journey as a DAISY Nurse Leader Award Nominee

Nurses interview

In celebration of Nurses Month, Propelus was privileged to interview Tiffany Banks, Director of Nursing at Baptist Health Lexington and a DAISY Nurse Leader Award 2024 nominee. This award, from The DAISY Foundation, honors nurse leaders who demonstrate extraordinary compassion and skill. Tiffany’s 18-year nursing journey, which she shared with us, is a powerful example of leadership that puts people first. While her initial focus was on patient care, her career evolved, marked by her willingness to embrace new challenges. Her acceptance of the nurse manager role, despite initial hesitation, speaks to a mindset of continuous improvement – a drive to grow and make a greater impact. What stands out in Tiffany’s story is the emphasis she places on the influence of mentors and the power of belief in one’s potential. This resonates deeply with the idea of engaging mindfully and meaningfully. She highlights the importance of supportive relationships and their role in shaping her leadership approach. Tiffany’s leadership philosophy centers on creating a supportive environment for her team. This is life-centricity in action – recognizing the importance of the well-being of the individual. This approach has led to significant achievements, such as the impressive reduction in hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs). This success stemmed from empowering her team, demonstrating her commitment to achieving positive outcomes. The DAISY Award nomination is a testament to the impact of Tiffany’s leadership. Her colleagues emphasize her accessibility, support, and ability to foster a culture of trust and compassion. These qualities reflect a leader who is truly doing what is right and good. In our interview, Tiffany provides valuable insights on: Her path to leadership and its evolution. How she empowers her team to drive change. The critical importance of work-life balance for nurses. Her vision for the future of nursing leadership. Tiffany’s journey underscores the profound impact of leadership rooted in compassion, empowerment, and a dedication to positive change. We invite you to watch the full interview to hear Tiffany’s inspiring story and gain valuable perspectives on leadership and the nursing profession. Want to thank a nurse? We’ve created downloadable thank you cards for you to share with a nurse you admire. Let them know their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed! 

Celebrating Nurses Month: Honoring Extraordinary Compassion and Dedication

May is Nurses Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of nurses around the world. At Propelus, we are proud to join hands with The DAISY Foundation to honor the compassion, dedication, and positive impact within the nursing profession.   A bit of background The DAISY Foundation stands as a testament to the enduring impact of nursing excellence.  Established in 1999, this foundation was born out of a deeply personal journey. J. Patrick Barnes, a young man with a vibrant spirit, tragically lost his life to complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP). Throughout his illness, Patrick’s family witnessed firsthand the remarkable care and compassion provided by nurses. Moved by the profound impact of these nursing professionals, Patrick’s family sought to honor his memory in a meaningful way. They founded The DAISY Foundation, naming it in honor of Patrick’s nickname, “DAISY” (an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System). The foundation’s mission was clear: to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of nurses who provide compassionate and exceptional care. The cornerstone of The DAISY Foundation’s efforts is the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. This prestigious award serves as a beacon of recognition for nurses who go above and beyond the call of duty, demonstrating unwavering compassion, skill, and dedication in their care for patients and families. Since its inception, the DAISY Award has been presented to over 200,000 nurses worldwide, shining a spotlight on their remarkable achievements and inspiring others in the nursing community.   Recognizing nurses In the United States alone, more than 5.2 million nurses play a pivotal role in promoting community well-being and resilience. These dedicated professionals often sacrifice precious time with loved ones, working tirelessly to provide comfort and care during life’s most challenging moments. And yet, despite the vital role they play in healthcare, the work of nurses is sometimes underappreciated. Here are Propelus (just like at The DAISY Foundation) we are committed to shining a spotlight on the compassion and positive impact within the nursing profession in the month of May and throughout the rest of the year. As part of our mission to power professionals, Propelus is committed to celebrating nursing excellence through our partnership with The DAISY Foundation. We believe that nurses are the unsung heroes of healthcare, providing comfort, support, and care across the continuum of care. As we celebrate Nurses Month, we want to take the time to recognize the recent winners of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award, honored at the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) conference.  Natassia Singh, BSN, RN, CCRN, Karee Nicholson, RN, MSN, CENP, and Ashley Burris, RN, are shining examples of compassionate leadership and dedication to patient care. Their stories of going above and beyond to support their teams and improve patient outcomes are truly inspiring. We invite you to read more about Natassia, Karee, and Ashley, and their remarkable contributions to healthcare on The DAISY Foundation’s website. Throughout the month of May, Propelus will also be sharing content that recognizes and supports nurses. Keep an eye on our Propelus LinkedIn page for more updates!   The wrap up Let May be a poignant reminder of the countless lives touched, hearts healed, and differences made by nurses around the world. These compassionate caregivers embody the essence of selflessness, dedicating themselves to the well-being of others with unwavering compassion and skill. Take this moment to come together and celebrate the nurses who bring comfort, healing, and hope to patients and families in their care. They are the unsung heroes of healthcare, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the best possible outcomes for those in need. To all nurses, we extend our deepest gratitude for your tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence. Your compassion, kindness, and skill make a world of difference, shaping the future of healthcare and touching lives in ways that words cannot fully express. Thank you for being the heart and soul of healthcare, for your compassion that knows no bounds, and for your unwavering commitment to healing and caring for others.    This Nurses Month, and every day, we honor and celebrate you.