Barbara Ostendorf was nominated by a patient with a fear of anesthesia who has needed to undergo several surgeries at Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital. "Barbara made me feel safe, calm and talked to me the whole time. She held my hand," the patient wrote in her nomination. "Barbara came up to my room to check on me after my breast surgery. She is a warm and compassionate nurse. When I mentioned her name at the hospital, everyone said, 'Oh, we love her!' I've requested her three times for my surgeries and she always makes sure she is there. Barbara loves her job and does it with joy and total commitment. Barbara is my guardian angel and is so professional and dedicated to her profession."

Barbara was honored to be presented with a DAISY Award, saying of her nomination, "I'll take this to my mother. She's a nurse too. She'll be very proud."