The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) held its inaugural DAISY Award ceremony on November 18, 2023, honoring 33 nurses who have significantly impacted the Guam community. The DAISY Award recognizes nurses who consistently provide compassionate and skillful care, reflecting the hospital’s commitment to excellence in healthcare.
Interim GMHA Administrator Dr. Joleen Aguon addressed the nominees, emphasizing their vital role in patient care. “Today’s nominees were remembered because someone felt truly cared for. That is powerful. As we work to strengthen GMH for the future, know that you are not just part of the mission; you are the mission,” Aguon stated. She praised the nurses for their compassion and resilience during challenging times faced by patients and families.
Among the 33 honorees, Danica Dianzon, a staff nurse in the intensive care unit, was named the first recipient of the DAISY Award. “I’m overwhelmed and grateful for everybody who helped me get this award,” Dianzon remarked. Having joined GMH after graduating from the University of Guam in 2024, she has quickly earned admiration for her positive attitude and dedication to patient care. “It takes the whole team. They have helped me grow and get here. Thank you,” she added.
The DAISY Award serves a dual purpose, according to GMHA. It not only recognizes individual excellence but also fosters a culture of gratitude within healthcare settings, enhancing the work environment and uplifting patient care. The nominees represented various departments across GMH, including the intensive care unit, progressive care unit, radiology, surgical unit, labor and delivery, and the neonatal intensive care unit.
Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, who has a nursing background, recognized the challenges and triumphs inherent in the profession. “Nursing is a calling that demands skill, compassion, and enormous heart, and each of you embodies those qualities every day,” she noted. She thanked the nurses for their dedication and the comfort they provide to patients and families during difficult moments.
Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio echoed the governor’s sentiments, highlighting the significance of their work. “You care for our community in its most vulnerable moments, and you do it with grace, commitment, and humanity,” Tenorio stated. He emphasized that the ceremony was a celebration of the essential role nurses play within the hospital and the wider community.
The DAISY Award initiative reflects GMHA’s ongoing commitment to supporting and retaining its nursing workforce. As the backbone of the hospital’s patient care mission, these nurses exemplify the dedication and compassion that define the healthcare profession in Guam.
As the ceremony concluded, the overwhelming sense of gratitude resonated among the honorees and attendees alike, reminding everyone of the profound impact nurses have on their patients and the island community.
