Quiet acts, lasting impact: NIHD presents Nurses’ awards during National Nurses Week

Above: 2026 DAISY Award winner Madeline Dant and 2026 NIHD Mission & Spirit Award winner Laura Partridge.

Some of the most meaningful healthcare moments happen quietly -- a nurse staying a little longer with a worried family, stepping forward when a patient needs extra help, or finding a way to close a care gap for the community.

During National Nurses Week, Northern Inyo Healthcare District recognized several members of its nursing team whose compassion, dedication, and commitment toward patient care make a difference across the Eastern Sierra.

Among the awards presented were the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, recognizing those who show exceptional clinical skill and compassionate care; the Mission and Spirit Award, honoring nurses who embody the organization's mission and values through effective initiatives; and the Great Catch Award, which celebrates nurses who proactively improve patient safety by handling concerns before they affect care.

The DAISY Award was presented to Madeline “Maddie” Dant of NIHD’s MedSurg unit.

Ms. Dant was nominated for her professionalism, compassion, and willingness to help in challenging situations. List in one of her nominations, it was noted she cared for a young pre-surgical patient by successfully starting a pediatric IV, an uncommon task on the MedSurg unit. The nomination described her as an exemplary nurse whose personality and compassion support patients and families during stressful times.

The Mission and Spirit Award was presented to Laura Partridge of the Pediatric Clinic. Ms. Partridge was recognized for her work helping develop a maternal mental health support program for families in Inyo County.

Her nomination featured her work with team members across patient services to close gaps in maternal mental health care. Through meetings, research, and alliances, Ms. Partridge helped bring forward a new support and education program for mothers and families.

The nomination stated that her efforts reflected NIHD’s mission and spirit because “her only hope was to help mothers” and ensure families felt more supported in the community.

Ms. Partridge’s work has also received recognition beyond NIHD. Earlier this month, NIHD nominated her for U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley’s National Nurses Week recognition program, which honors nurses for compassion, skill, and service to their communities. Honorees are recognized on the floor of the United States House of Representatives.

The Great Catch Award was presented to Hailey Bartanzetti for her work in patient safety and quality care. The annual award recognizes nurses who improve patient safety by identifying and addressing concerns before they affect care. Specifics around this award often include details that NIHD cannot share publicly; however, the work behind this honor improves NIHD’s safety and quality of care every day.

“These award recipients reflect the heart of nursing in a rural community,” said Allison Partridge, NIHD’s Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operations Officer. “Whether caring for patients, supporting families, or strengthening services for future generations, their work makes a difference. We are proud to recognize the compassion, teamwork, and dedication they give to our community.”

National Nurses Week, celebrated each May and always ending on modern nursing advocate Florence Nightingale's birthday, honors the vital role nurses play in caring for patients and strengthening community health.