Hunter Gaines named Q1 2026 DAISY Award recipient at DCH

Daviess Community Hospital (DCH) is proud to announce Hunter Gaines, ASN, RN, as the recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses for the first quarter of 2026.

Gaines, who serves as the RN House Supervisor at DCH, was nominated by a patient who shared a powerful story of compassion that extended far beyond the walls of the hospital. During the patient’s stay, it was discovered that no one was available to care for their dogs at home. Without hesitation, Gaines volunteered to travel more than 20 miles on his own time to feed them, using his own resources to ensure the pets were cared for.

“I was admitted and found out three days later that there was nobody feeding my dogs,” the patient wrote in the nomination. “Hunter, a man I had never met before, offered and went and fed them for me over 20 miles away. It’s very far and few you meet someone like that. My hats off to this man and much respect to him. Even if he doesn’t win this award, he’s number one in my book. I could never repay him for what he did.”

As RN House Supervisor, Gaines plays a critical leadership role across the hospital, supporting nursing teams, coordinating patient care operations, and ensuring quality and safety standards are upheld throughout each shift. His actions reflect not only clinical leadership but a deep commitment to treating patients as whole individuals, recognizing the personal challenges they may face during a hospital stay.

Gaines has been a nurse for 13 years and began his career at DCH in 2013 in the Behavioral Health Department, where he served until 2024. He then transitioned into his current role in house supervision. He earned his Associate of Science in Nursing from Vincennes University in May 2013 and resides in Washington.

“Hunter’s actions are a powerful reminder of what compassionate care truly looks like,” said Jenna Bedwell, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Chief Nursing Officer at Daviess Community Hospital. “He saw a need that extended beyond medical care and stepped in without hesitation. That level of empathy, initiative, and selflessness embodies the very spirit of the DAISY Award and the culture of service we strive to uphold at DCH.”

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is an international recognition program that honors nurses who provide exceptional, compassionate care to patients and families. Established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, the program serves as a meaningful way to express gratitude to nurses who make a lasting impact.

At Daviess Community Hospital, DAISY Award recipients are selected based on the PETALS criteria: Passion, Empathy, Trust and Teamwork, Admirable Attributes, Love for the Profession, and Selflessness. Gaines’ actions exemplify each of these qualities, particularly his willingness to go above and beyond to support a patient in a time of need.

Each DAISY Award honoree is recognized during a special ceremony in their department and receives a DAISY Award pin, a certificate, and a hand-carved “A Healer’s Touch” stone sculpture. The DCH Auxiliary proudly supports this recognition by purchasing the sculpture, DAISY pin, and award certificate and holder for each recipient. The celebration also includes cinnamon rolls, a tradition that honors the memory of J. Patrick Barnes and symbolizes appreciation for nurses.

“Nurses are at the heart of everything we do,” Bedwell said. “Hunter’s story reflects the level of care our community can expect from DCH—care that is compassionate, personal, and deeply committed to the well-being of every patient we serve.”

Daviess Community Hospital encourages patients, families, visitors, and staff to recognize extraordinary nurses by submitting a DAISY Award nomination. Nominations can be completed online at www.dchosp.org/daisy or in person DCH.

To learn more about the DAISY Award, visit www.dchosp.org/daisy.