Dawn Bender, a Registered Nurse in the Med Surg Department at Knoxville Hospital & Clinics, was recognized with the organization’s ninth annual DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses during a ceremony held as part of Knoxville Hospital & Clinics’ Hospital Week presented by Marion County Bank.

The DAISY Award recognizes an individual’s dedication to the nursing profession, patients, and their family members. The award was founded in 1999 in memory of J. Patrick Barnes who died at age 33 from complications of ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura), thus giving name to the award “Diseases Attacking the Immune System” DAISY.

Dawn has been employed at Knoxville Hospital & Clinics for four years. In their nominations, patients cited Dawn for her caring spirit, expertise, and professionalism.

Each year, the Knoxville Hospital & Clinics Operations Team selects a DAISY Award winner from nominations submitted throughout the year. Previous Knoxville Hospital & Clinics Daisy Award winners include Cheryl James, Holly Shinn, Kellie Jones, Elizabeth Hembrook, Leah Sims, Rachel Davis, and Deb Leffler.