Stephanie Knigge receives DAISY Award for compassionate, patient-centered care

Last week, Stephanie Knigge, BSN, RN, on Davis 11, Trauma, received a DAISY Award for her exceptional compassion and clinical excellence in caring for patients. The nomination paints a moving picture of a nurse whose kindness, skill, and humanity profoundly touched a patient’s life. The patient shared how Stephanie's impact extended far beyond clinical care to touch the patient’s spirit as well as their health.

From the nomination: 

“I don’t even know where to begin because words feel too small to describe just how wonderful my nurse was. From the moment she walked into the room, everything changed. Her presence was calming, her energy was uplifting, and her kindness was felt even in the smallest gestures.

“She wasn’t just attentive; she was intuitively compassionate. It was like she could sense exactly what I needed before I even spoke. Whether it was adjusting a blanket without being asked, offering encouragement when I was overwhelmed, or simply listening when I needed to vent, she was always one step ahead. She treated me like family, not just a patient.

“What really struck me was how she combined unshakable professionalism with a genuine heart. She was precise, thorough, and incredibly skilled, but she also made time to connect, smile, and reassure. Her dedication didn’t stop when her shift ended, she made sure everything was taken care of before she walked out, every single time.

“In a world where health care workers are already superheroes, she was something even more rare: the kind of nurse who reminds you that healing isn’t just physical, it’s emotional and human, too.

“To say she made a difference would be an understatement. She made a lasting impression on my life, and I will never forget the comfort, care, and dignity she gave me during a time I needed it most.

“If I could give her more than five stars, I would. She is truly extraordinary.”

Congratulations, Stephanie, on your DAISY Award!  

About the DAISY Award:

The DAISY Award is part of The DAISY Foundation, an international program dedicated to recognizing nursing excellence. Established by the Barnes family in memory of their son, Patrick, the award honors the exceptional, compassionate care Patrick received from nurses during his eight-week hospitalization. To express their gratitude, the family created the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, celebrating the remarkable and often unsung work nurses perform every day at the bedside.