Guam Hospital Celebrates 33 Nurses with Inaugural DAISY Awards

The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) held its first DAISY Award ceremony on November 18, 2023, honoring 33 nurses for their exceptional contributions to the community. The DAISY Award recognizes nurses who consistently provide compassionate and skilled care, reflecting GMHA’s commitment to excellence in healthcare.

Celebrating Compassionate Care

During the ceremony, Interim GMHA Administrator Dr. Joleen Aguon emphasized the importance of the nurses’ roles in patient care. “Today’s nominees were remembered because someone felt truly cared for. That is powerful,” Aguon stated. She highlighted the nurses’ dedication and resilience, noting their ability to provide comfort during challenging times. “The small acts of kindness and strength you show every day may go unseen, but they matter deeply,” she added.

Among the honorees, Danica Dianzon, a staff nurse in the intensive care unit, was named the inaugural recipient of the DAISY Award. Expressing her gratitude, Dianzon remarked, “I’m overwhelmed and grateful for everybody who helped me get this award. It takes the whole team.” She joined GMH after graduating from the University of Guam in 2024 and quickly earned admiration for her positive attitude and commitment to patient care.

Strengthening a Culture of Gratitude

The DAISY Award goes beyond recognition, as it fosters a culture of gratitude within healthcare settings. According to GMHA, this initiative supports the work environment and enhances patient care. The 33 nominated nurses represent a diverse range of departments, including the intensive care unit, progressive care unit, radiology, special services, surgical unit, labor and delivery, and the neonatal intensive care unit.

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, who has a nursing background, acknowledged the challenges nurses face. “Nursing is a calling that demands skill, compassion, and enormous heart, and each of you embodies those qualities every day,” she stated. Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio echoed her sentiments, highlighting the importance of recognizing the vital work nurses do in the community. “You care for our community in its most vulnerable moments, and you do it with grace, commitment, and humanity,” Tenorio said.

The DAISY Award initiative reflects GMHA’s ongoing commitment to supporting its nursing workforce, which is essential to the hospital’s mission of providing quality patient care. The recognition of these exemplary nurses serves as an inspiration to their peers and reinforces the value of compassionate healthcare in Guam.