Ernst Takes Home Daisy Award for Q2

Daniel Ernst, a nurse in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Flagler Hospital, has been honored as the hospital’s DAISY Award recipient for the second quarter of 2023, according to a media release. Ernst was honored for his compassionate care toward an 87-year-old woman as she came to the end of her life.

The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary compassion and skill nurses provide daily. Ernst was nominated by the patient’s family after they were comforted by him in their loved one’s final days, the release states.

“Daniel took care of our mother the last two days of her life. It was so frightening to us all as we watched her struggle to live. Daniel eased our fears. He was so kind, compassionate, and caring not only with our mother but with the family as well,” wrote Linda Smoyer on behalf of her family.

Ernst’s nomination was among 51 recognitions submitted by patients, their families, and Flagler Health+ team members this quarter.

In recognition of this honor, Ernst received a stone-carved “Healers Touch” trophy, a DAISY winner’s pin, a gift basket, and a $250 bonus.

“It adds a whole other level of fulfillment, trying to emulate the values of the DAISY Award,” Ernst said in the release. “Then to have it recognized is overwhelming. Wow. Wow, is definitely the word.”