Good Samaritan Nurse Mary Ballard Receives DAISY Award for Excellence

Greensboro, Ga. – Mary Ballard, a registered nurse who works night shift at St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital, has received St. Mary’s systemwide DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence.

Mary was nominated for the award by a patient who was touched by her commitment, kindness and professionalism.

“She had a genuine concern for my well-being, always soft-spoken, gentle and reassuring,” the patient wrote in her nomination. “She took time tending to my mental health as well as my physical discomfort. I had much anxiety and trepidation during my stay, but when Mary was on duty, I felt a sense of relief.”

According to Good Sam Nursing Director Kimberly Tyler, the care Mary provided to this patient is simply what she does for every patient, every time she works.

“Mary is an asset to our medical/surgical department and our whole hospital,” Tyler said. “She has a servant leader's heart and makes a difference in patient lives every day. Because of COVID-19, this is an incredibly stressful time to be a nurse. But through it all, Mary demonstrates the compassion and professionalism that nurses strive to achieve at all times.”

Mary earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Georgia State University in 1986 and came to Good Sam in 2019 from the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. Mary lives in Madison with her family.

“Receiving the DAISY Award is something that a nurse can take with them for their entire career,” said Ann Gomes, interim chief nursing officer for St. Mary’s Health Care System. “It’s special for every nurse who receives it. We are proud of all our nurses, but especially proud of Mary and all of our DAISY Award recipients.”

About the DAISY Award

The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide day-in and day-out. It is inspired by the nurses who provided care to Patrick Barnes, a 33-year-old husband and father who lost his fight against a deadly autoimmune disease in 1999. His family created the DAISY Foundation, which now partners with some 4,800 hospitals and schools in all 50 states and 29 nations to honor and inspire extraordinary nurses.

At St. Mary's, each DAISY Award recipient is recognized at a COVID-safe public ceremony with their colleagues. They receive a certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a stone sculpture entitled "A Healer's Touch" that is hand-carved In Africa. In addition, they and their colleagues are invited to celebrate the occasion with cinnamon rolls, one of Patrick's favorite treats.

Anyone can nominate a St. Mary's nurse for the DAISY Award, including patients, patients' family members, providers, and colleagues. Any nurse in the St. Mary's system is eligible, including those at all three hospitals as well as home health care/hospice services and medical group offices. The nomination simply asks you to share your story of why a nurse is special to you. St. Mary's honors eight nurses each year. Nomination forms can be obtained by calling Melissa McDaniel at (706) 389-3890, option 3

Learn more about the DAISY Award.