Student nurse Ysa Marie Madriaga has been honored with the DAISY Award, a distinguished recognition bestowed upon nurses and nursing students who demonstrate extraordinary care, compassion, and dedication to their patients. The award was presented during a heartfelt ceremony at the University of Baguio on September 17, 2024, during the RLE orientation held at the UB Cardinal’s Gym.
he DAISY Award is an internationally recognized program that acknowledges nurses who go above and beyond in providing exceptional care. It was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, whose family created the award to honor the compassion and kindness nurses showed him during his battle with an autoimmune disease. Since its inception, the DAISY Award has been celebrated in healthcare facilities worldwide, becoming a symbol of excellence and dedication in nursing.
For many student nurses, the journey through nursing school is fraught with self-doubt as they strive to balance their studies with clinical duties. However, Ysa Marie Madriaga’s recognition serves as a powerful reminder that even as a student, it is possible to make a significant impact and be acknowledged for excellence in care.
“Receiving the DAISY Award makes me feel both humbled and immensely fulfilled,” Madriaga shared when asked how it felt to be honored with such a prestigious prize. “It’s a validation of the hard work, compassion, and dedication that go into nursing, especially as a student.” The recognition holds special meaning for her, as it signifies that her care was noticed and appreciated by patients, their families, and her colleagues.
This award serves as a reminder of why she chose the nursing profession in the first place. It reinforces her commitment to providing the highest level of care and strengthens her resolve to continue growing in her abilities. The challenges of long study hours, late-night exam preparations, and the emotional weight of learning to care for patients are all part of the journey that led her to this moment.
Madriaga’s inspiration to pursue nursing stems from a deep desire to highlight the profound impact that compassionate care can have on patients and their families. “Nursing is a profession where every moment can make a difference in someone’s life,” she reflected, “and I wanted to show others the human side of healthcare.”
As a DAISY Award titleholder, Madriaga encourages other student nurses to focus on the impact they have on their patients rather than seeking recognition. “Compassion, empathy, and dedication to your patients are at the heart of nursing,” she advised. “Staying true to these values will naturally lead to recognition.”
She went on to emphasize that while awards like the DAISY Award are a great honor, the real reward lies in the difference nurses make in their patients’ lives every day. “Recognition like the DAISY Award is an acknowledgment of these efforts, but the true reward is the impact you leave on every patient you care for.”
n a profession where every small act of kindness can have life-changing effects, Ysa Marie Madriaga’s recognition stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future nurses. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that with compassion, dedication, and hard work, nurses at every stage of their careers can touch the lives of those they care for in meaningful ways. The DAISY Award not only celebrates her achievements but also reaffirms the vital role nurses play in the healthcare system, highlighting the power of human connection and empathy in patient care.
