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Celebrating Excellence in Nursing: Lori Matthews, RN, Honored with The DAISY Award

  • 3 minute read.
  • Last Updated: 9/5/2025

We’re proud to announce that Lori Matthews, RN, a compassionate and dedicated nurse at Morristown-Hamblen has been honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. This prestigious recognition celebrates nurses who consistently go above and beyond in delivering exceptional care to patients and their families.

Charley Porter RN, honored with the DAISY Award, stands outdoors on a paved area holding her award certificate and a small sculpted figure. She is smiling in a green shirt and black pants, with houses and trees in the background.

The DAISY Award was established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away from complications of an autoimmune disease. During his hospital stay, Patrick’s family was deeply moved by the extraordinary care and compassion shown by his nurses. In his memory, they created the DAISY Foundation to recognize nurses who make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Lori’s nomination came from both grateful patients and coworkers who have experienced her unwavering dedication firsthand.

One patient shared:

“She has great bedside manners and cares about her patients. Great attitude, personality, and manners. She listens to her patients — not just ignores.”

Another added:

“Her kindness and her ability to simplify, her heartfelt knowledge, love, and care for her position. Thanks for being a good team leader!”

A coworker praised Lori’s leadership and teamwork:

“There is not one situation — Lori always shows respect & caring to her patients. She’s the first to say ‘I can’ when the unit needs help or faces scheduling crises. Her ‘I can & I will’ attitude has earned her love, respect, and countless thank-yous from her coworkers.”

As a DAISY Award honoree, Lori was celebrated in a special ceremony within her unit. She received: 

  • A certificate of recognition
  • A DAISY Award pin
  • A hand-carved stone sculpture titled “A Healer’s Touch”, created by artists in Zimbabwe to symbolize the profound impact nurses have on their patients

The DAISY Award is part of an international nurse recognition program that honors the compassion, skill, and dedication nurses bring to their work every day. Nurses can be nominated by patients, families, coworkers, and physicians.

If you’ve experienced extraordinary care from a nurse, we encourage you to share your story. To submit a nomination or learn more about the DAISY Award, visit the Morristown-Hamblen DAISY Award page

A group of healthcare workers in dark scrubs stand outside on a paved road, smiling at the camera. Charley Porter RN is near the center, proudly holding a framed certificate after being honored with the DAISY Award. Trees and houses are visible in the background.
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