Nurses lead the way in many aspects of , , innovation and more. Additionally, nurse recognition programs such as Magnet and DAISY have found their way around the globe. Nurses need to be recognized in all countries, as compassionate care knows no boundaries.

I have had multiple experiences with the DAISY Award® program. I have been on the unit when a nurse was presented the award. I worked with another nurse leader whose husband built her facility’s DAISY Award cart. And I have attended the DAISY breakfast at the Magnet conference, where some amazing stories were told. The DAISY Award recognizes all the amazing things nurses do, and best of all, helps nurses realize that their ordinary is extraordinary.

Since The DAISY Foundation was founded in 1999 and the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses was piloted at the University of Washington Medical Center's Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, the DAISY Award program has expanded to more than 4,000 healthcare facilities in all 50 states and in 25 other countries. The first program outside the U.S. started in a Canadian facility in 2008. Then in 2010, both Saudi Arabia and Lebanon had facilities start the program, followed by Taiwan in 2011. The foundation now has 64 international partners, and 19 others are interested in starting the program.

Even though I have a PhD in nursing, I feel it is important to walk the talk and be certified in my nursing specialty of nursing leadership (NEA-BC, which is the ANCC certification Nursing Executive Advance, Board Certified). How can I tell others to become certified if I’m not myself? Learning is a lifelong process for all of us. Like other nurses, I need to obtain continuing education credits to maintain my certification, and I learn something new all the time. You might be wondering, which you should get first, a degree or certification? The 2011 Penn Nursing study found that certification did not statistically improve patient outcomes unless the RN also had a bachelor’s degree. At the same time, pursuing your certification first might help you get started on your educational path. Programs such as Magnet set a high bar for hospitals, but also provide a great roadmap for nurses in their educational journey. Do what you believe is right for you, but remember, education, formal or informal, is a lifelong journey for all of us.

Bahrain

Chile

Ireland

Ivory Coast

Peru