August 7, 2025
On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Donalsonville Hospital proudly celebrated the unwavering dedication of its nursing staff during the summer DAISY Award ceremony. This season’s honoree, Chrystal Smith, RN, OR Supervisor, was recognized for her compassionate leadership, clinical excellence, and the lasting impact she makes on both patients and her team.
A Mission Born from Gratitude
The DAISY Award was founded by the Barnes family in 1999 to honor nurses who provide exceptional care, inspired by the compassionate treatment their son Patrick received during his battle with ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia). Today, the award is recognized in healthcare organizations worldwide, reminding us of the vital role nurses play in healing and hope.
Chrystal Smith, RN: Compassion in Action
As the Operating Room Supervisor, Chrystal Smith is known for leading with calm confidence, empathy, and professionalism. Her nomination reflected not just her technical expertise, but the deep care she shows to her patients and her fellow nurses. Whether in a high-pressure procedure or guiding a new team member, Chrystal brings steadiness, compassion, and kindness to every moment.
Chrystal was honored during the ceremony with the hand-carved Healer’s Touch sculpture, a DAISY Award certificate, and other tokens of appreciation—symbols of a grateful community and a job done with heart.
Celebrating Our DAISY Nominees
Alongside Chrystal, we proudly recognized several nurses who were nominated by patients, families, and colleagues for their extraordinary care:
- Clay Poague, RN – MedSurg Charge Nurse
- Myra Davis, RN
- Briana Funderburke, LPN
- Haley Drake, RN and Patient Liaison (not pictured)
Each nominee was presented with a DAISY Nominee pin and a copy of their nomination, a lasting reminder of the lives they’ve touched through their work.
Pictured left to right:
- James Moody, Hospital Administrator
- Clay Poague, RN MedSurg Charge Nurse
- Myra Davis, RN
- Briana Funderburke, LPN
- Chrystal Smith, RN
- Heather Smith, MHA, RN, Chief Nursing Officer
- Not pictured: Haley Drake RN, Patient Liason
The Heart of Donalsonville Hospital
At Donalsonville Hospital, our nurses are more than caregivers—they are advocates, leaders, and trusted voices in times of need. The DAISY Award allows us to shine a spotlight on those who embody the values we hold dear: compassion, service, and commitment to community.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Chrystal Smith and our exceptional nominees. Your dedication inspires us all.
Nominate a Nurse for the December 2025 DAISY Award
If a nurse at Donalsonville Hospital has made a difference in your life or the life of a loved one, we invite you to share their story.
📌 Submit a nomination:
- At the hospital using paper forms available at the front desk
- Online: https://www.daisyfoundation.org/daisy-award/thank-your-nurse-nomination
Help us continue to honor the incredible nurses who bring light and healing to our community every day.