DAISY Awards

Hilton Head Island, SC
November 14-15, 2026

The DAISY Award is an international recognition program started in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Pat’s family experienced first-hand the difference his nurses made in his care through clinical excellence and outstanding compassionate care. The family created The DAISY Award to express gratitude to nurses and to enable other patients, families, and staff to thank and honor their special nurses.

Please visit DAISYFoundation.org to learn more about Pat’s story and how The DAISY Award recognizes Extraordinary Nurses.

The DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award

Nominate a nurse who has been a beacon of inspiration to others at all career stages in the various and important roles of nursing

CRITERIA – examples include but are not limited to:

Demonstrated lifetime body of work in the larger perioperative nursing community in clinical practice, administration, education or research (articles, article citations, research, poster/podium presentations, policy/procedure, statements, guidelines, skills lab formats, study guides) that have advanced practice at the local, state, national and/or international level.
An active member of AORN at the local, state, and national level for at least 5 years.
Demonstrated engagement in the professional development of self and other perioperative nurses.
Serves as a role model and advocate for perioperative practice and the advancement of nursing as a profession.
Demonstrated advocacy for the improvement of staff and patient care.
Recognized as a transformational leader.
20+ years of service.

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Nomination narrative articulating how the PeriOperative Nurse meets criteria defined above:(Required)

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DAISY PeriOperative Nurse Leader Award

The award symbolizes leadership acts that exemplify excellence

The Nurse Leader Award was created to recognize extraordinary contributions to perioperative nursing through remarkable service, outstanding leadership, exceptional mentorship, effective advocacy, and/or innovative ideas that have had an enduring impact on perioperative nursing practice. The award symbolizes leadership acts that exemplify excellence.

Eligibility: Must be a member of AORN and a perioperative registered nurse for a minimum of 2 years. Complete the nomination form and clearly describe a specific situation or story that demonstrates how this nurse made a meaningful difference

CRITERIA – examples include but are not limited to:

Led organization to increase membership by expanding or creating varied methods of involvement and/or participation.
Recognized in the community as a leader for both nursing and non-nursing activities.
Made a meaningful change within AORN at the local, state, or national level, such as succeeding in passing surgical smoke legislation in their state.
Is the AORN member that everyone wants on their committee because they exemplify AORN’s Guidelines and best practices.