Betsy Garland, Registered Nurse at Hospice of South Georgia, received The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the international DAISY Foundation, a program developed to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. Garland has been with the South Georgia Medical Center organization for ten years, only serving at Hospice for the past several months.
 
Garland was nominated by a colleague for her involvement in an especially hard case caring for a four month old infant with a limited life expectancy. According to the nomination, “Betsy went to the child’s home every single week, even making herself available on the weekends. She gained rapport with the family, assisting with arrangements for older siblings when needed and staying with the child to allow the mother to take breaks. When the infant became unresponsive and was rushed to the hospital, Betsy was by the family's side. She stayed with them while the child passed and afterwards to provide emotional support. Betsy made the tiny patient feel comfortable and loved, while also caring for the emotional needs of the siblings and family. It is truly an honor to work alongside her."

SGMC continues to ask patients and fellow employees to honor nurses they feel go above and beyond in their actions and 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.