The DAISY Nurse Leader Award of the Year - KONL

The DAISY Award is an international recognition program started in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Pat’s family experienced first-hand the difference his nurses made in his care through clinical excellence and outstanding compassionate care. The family created The DAISY Award to express gratitude to nurses and to enable other patients, families, and staff to thank and honor their special nurses.

Please visit DAISYFoundation.org to learn more about Pat's story and how The DAISY Award recognizes Extraordinary Nurses.

DAISY/KONL Nurse Leader Award of the Year

The DAISY/ KONL Nurse Leader Award was created to recognize the value and importance of Nurse Leaders throughout the state of Kentucky. Kentucky Nurse Leaders exist in all practice settings, academia and beyond. These leaders exemplify resilience, grit, and dedication. 

Together, Kentucky Nurse Leaders have a tremendous impact on patient care delivery the Nursing workforce, and the health of the community.

Dates for Nominations: January 5th, 2026, through April 20th, 2026. Nominations are submitted online.

CRITERIA:

• Must be a previous DAISY Honoree
• Fosters the development of nurse leaders
• Promotes the value of nursing
• Improves the value and engagement of membership
• Provides leadership that enhances the nursing profession
• Promotes a culture of safety and quality healthcare
• One nominee per organization may be nominated

Recognize a Nurse Leader Today

The Kentucky Organization of Nurse Leaders has partnered with the DAISY Foundation to provide meaningful recognition to our amazing community of nurse leaders in Kentucky. The KONL will present the DAISY Nurse Leader of the Year at the spring conference on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026. KONL would like to encourage you to nominate a nurse leader today!

The eligibility criteria can be found at http://daisynomination.org/KONL. 

• Nominations will begin on January 5th, 2026, through April 20th, 2026. 
• Please reach out to Amber Cross, KONL Scholarship Chair, at amber.cross@deaconess.com for questions. Information on scholarship opportunities can also be found at https://kyonl.nursingnetwork.com/.