I am honored to nominate Lori Degen for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. Throughout her years at Pentec, Lori has been steadfast in her commitment to nurse recognition and advocacy. She has served for many years as a member and chair of the NACC (Nurse Advocacy and Connection Council). She also played an integral part in adopting and implementing the DAISY Award Program at Pentec Health. Seven years later, Lori is still leading the DAISY program with the same enthusiasm and determination to recognize Pentec nurses for their extraordinary professionalism and acts of kindness.

As nurses, we often struggle to see the full value of our work. The DAISY Foundation reports that through years of research, they have learned that there is a huge opportunity lost when nurses don’t recognize the value of their own work. When therapeutic care is noticed, lifted up, and talked about, it provides an invaluable developmental opportunity for everyone in an organization. This development opportunity facilitates the best possible care for patients and families. Every DAISY story, no matter what the details happen to be, is a story in which a nurse has tuned in to the patient and family, saw their need, and found a way to really connect and make a difference. Through Lori’s leadership and advocacy for the DAISY program, over 17 Pentec nurses have been celebrated as DAISY Award honorees, and dozens more have been recognized as nominees. Recognizing these nurses and telling their patients' stories has created that developmental opportunity for us at Pentec Health.

Over the years, Lori has worked tirelessly to connect with patients and families, to make sure their stories are not only heard but shared. Because of her efforts, we are able to hear firsthand from our patients the difference that we make every day. When these stories are presented, they not only impact the DAISY honorees; they have a profound impact on everyone who hears them. These stories inspire all Pentec nurses to see the extraordinary in their ordinary. Through Lori’s work with the DAISY Foundation, she has contributed to a healthy work environment, helped to improve nurse engagement and retention, and has most importantly reminded us of our mission to provide excellent patient care, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and overall patient satisfaction.

Pentec Health partnered with the DAISY Foundation over seven years ago. In that time, we have seen a lot of changes that have impacted the DAISY nomination process. Lori is continuously working to improve the ways that we are connecting with our patients and their families, ensuring that their stories are heard. She has been adaptive, creative, and is always thinking outside of the box to come up with practical, cost-effective methods to educate and communicate with our patients about the DAISY program and the everyday acts of kindness they have experienced with their Pentec nurses. Without Lori’s efforts, our DAISY program would not be as strong as it is today.

Lori’s dedication to nurse engagement and recognition extends far beyond the DAISY Award. When I joined the NACC (Nurse Advocacy and Connection Council) last year as a new member, I was quickly asked to step in as the council chair. With serious reservations and very little knowledge about the council and its projects, I felt overwhelmed. Lori, a longtime member and former chair of the NACC, was instrumental in guiding me through this transition. She patiently answered all my questions, shared her skills, ideas, and knowledge, ensuring that the NACC continued to operate efficiently without disruption to its projects or the programs it supports.

As the Karen McHenry Award was being transitioned to the DAISY Nurse Leader Award and the NACC assumed the responsibilities of this new award, I had even more questions. Lori answered every phone call, every question, provided resources, and guidance through every step. Lori’s dedication to nurse recognition and advocacy has been an inspiration to me and so many others. Her efforts have profoundly impacted our Nursing Department, fostering a culture of recognition and excellence.

Lori has carried on Karen McHenry’s passion and vision for nationally recognizing Pentec nurses for their professionalism and everyday acts of kindness. Her leadership has not only strengthened the DAISY program but also contributed to a healthier work environment, improved nurse engagement and retention, and ultimately enhanced patient care and satisfaction. I believe that Lori’s unwavering commitment and impactful contributions make her an outstanding candidate for the very first DAISY Nurse Leader Award at Pentec Health.

Thank you for taking the time to read this nomination.