LewisGale Hospital Pulaski nurse Rebecca Barker recognized with DAISY Award

PULASKI, Va. — Rebecca Barker, RN, an emergency department nurse at LewisGale Hospital Pulaski, has been named the hospital’s May 2026 DAISY Award winner.

 

The award was presented on behalf of the Nursing Professional Development and Retention Council in recognition of Barker’s compassionate, patient-centered care.

 

Barker was nominated after a routine medication administration led to a meaningful moment with a patient. She created a safe and supportive environment that helped the patient share a personal struggle with alcohol addiction. The patient expressed a desire to seek help but was unsure where to begin.

 

With the patient’s consent, Barker reached out to a trusted recovery contact without sharing any identifying patient information. She gathered information about local support meetings and a recovery app, then helped the patient download and navigate the app so he could take the first steps toward recovery.

 

The patient later shared that he felt heard, respected and never judged. Barker’s actions reflect the meaningful impact of compassionate care and the difference one nurse can make during a vulnerable moment.

 

The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors nurses for the skillful, compassionate care they provide to patients and families. Nurses may be nominated by patients, family members, colleagues and others who witness extraordinary care.