Ansleigh Bennett received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses at South Georgia Medical Center for December. The award is part of the international DAISY Foundation developed to recognize the amazing care provided by nurses everyday.
 
Bennett was nominated by a patient’s family member who said, "Ansleigh came into our room with such grace, love, and compassion. My heart overflowed with love and peace from her. I have NEVER ever experienced this kind of love before. I could tell that this was not just a work shift for her, she loved what she does.” The nominator continued by saying it was the best experience she’d ever had in a hospital, although it should have been the worst considering her father was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
 
Bennett has been with SGMC for one year, currently providing care on 5-West for patients with varying diagnoses including COPD, cancer, diabetes, and more. “Receiving this award is something every nurse strives for, not just to get an award but because of what this award stands for,” said Bennett. “I am humbled and honored to be considered for such an honor. I love my job, my colleagues, and most importantly the lives that I get to impact on a daily basis. I’m forever thankful,” she said.
 
SGMC continues to ask patients and fellow employees to honor nurses they feel go above and beyond in their care. Nominations are reviewed by a committee based on criteria that include compassion, teamwork, leadership, attitude, and skills and knowledge.

DAISY awards are presented monthly in front of the nurse’s colleagues, physicians, patients, and visitors.  Each honoree receives a certificate commending her or him for being an "Extraordinary Nurse” and a beautiful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa. Recipients also receive a bouquet of daisies donated by local flower shops.