A Special Honor in Williston North Dakota: Nurse Madison Collins Recognized for Extraordinary Care

Compassion, dedication, and expert care are being recognized at CHI St. Alexius Health Williston, where one of its nurses has received a special honor for making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families.

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Williston Nurse Madison Collins Honored with 2025 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Compassion in OB Care

Madison Collins, a registered nurse in the hospital’s obstetrics (OB) department, has been named the fourth recipient of the 2025 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Collins earned the recognition after receiving two heartfelt nominations praising her compassionate care during one of life’s most important moments — the birth of a child.

According to the nominations, Collins helped create a calm and supportive environment for a first-time mother who was feeling anxious and full of questions. Her kindness and willingness to listen helped make both the labor and postpartum experience far less stressful.

One nomination letter shared the impact Collins had during that experience, stating, “This was my first baby so I was scared and had a lot of questions and Madison answered all of them.”

Another nomination described Collins as “extremely attentive, friendly and caring,” and praised her presence throughout the labor process. “She was absolutely amazing during my labor and for my few hours with her after delivery,” the nominator wrote. The letter concluded with heartfelt gratitude, saying, “She is a wonderful nurse and I’m so thankful to have had her by my side.”

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Honoring Extraordinary Nurses: The DAISY Foundation Celebrates Compassionate Care at CHI St. Alexius Health, Williston

The DAISY Award program is part of the mission of The DAISY Foundation, a nonprofit organization created to honor the extraordinary care nurses provide patients every day.

The foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away at age 33 in 1999 due to complications from Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, a condition affecting the immune system. During his illness, Barnes’ family witnessed firsthand the incredible compassion and dedication nurses showed, inspiring them to create a lasting way to thank nurses everywhere. The name “DAISY” stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.

Nurses can be nominated for the award by patients, family members, or colleagues. A committee at CHI St. Alexius Health Williston selects the recipient, and awards are presented throughout the year during special celebrations attended by coworkers, patients, and community members.

Each DAISY Award honoree receives a certificate recognizing them as an “Extraordinary Nurse,” along with a DAISY Award pin and a hand-carved sculpture titled A Healer’s Touch, created by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.

Bonnie Barnes, president and co-founder of The DAISY Foundation, said the award highlights the often-unsung work nurses do every day.

Recognizing Everyday Heroes: CHI St. Alexius Health Williston Celebrates Nurses Through The DAISY Award

“When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced firsthand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night,” Barnes said. “These unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the extraordinary, compassionate work they do.”

Lorrie Antos, Vice President of Patient Care Services at CHI St. Alexius Health, said the organization is proud to participate in the program.

“Nurses are heroes every day,” Antos said. “It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that.”

The DAISY Foundation now partners with more than 3,900 healthcare facilities and nursing schools worldwide, continuing its mission to celebrate the dedication and compassion of nurses like Madison Collins — whose care is making a difference for families right here in Williston.