Vandalia Health Webster Memorial Hospital announces first DAISY Award recipient for nursing excellence

December 02, 2025

Vandalia Health Webster Memorial Hospital proudly announces its first-ever DAISY Award honoree, Emily Harris, LPN, from the hospital’s Cowen Clinic location. Harris was selected for her exceptional teamwork, compassion and dedication to patient care, marking an important milestone as Webster Memorial Hospital launches its internationally recognized DAISY Award program.

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is an international recognition program founded in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. The award celebrates nurses who demonstrate clinical excellence, compassion, and unwavering commitment to patients and families.

Harris was nominated by a coworker who praised her kindness, professionalism and commitment to creating a positive experience for patients and colleagues alike.

“[Emily] is very polite and hardworking, and she cares about her patients,” the nomination read.
“She is a great person to have working at Webster Memorial Hospital — she is a keeper, a great nurse and a good friend.”

Harris’ recognition comes as Vandalia Health completes the full systemwide rollout of the DAISY Award. With the addition of Vandalia Health Davis locations, all Vandalia Health hospitals now participate in the DAISY Award program. Vandalia Health Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) began recognizing DAISY Award honorees in 2014, and Vandalia Health Mon Health System launched the program in 2021. Expanding the program to Vandalia Health Davis locations ensures that every hospital across Vandalia Health is united in celebrating the extraordinary care provided by nurses.

As part of the rollout, Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center awarded its first DAISY honoree in October, and Vandalia Health Broaddus Hospital will soon announce its first DAISY Award recipient.

“This is a historic moment for Webster Memorial Hospital,” said Bill Dempsey, Chief Administrative Officer, Vandalia Health Webster Memorial Hospital. “Recognizing our first DAISY Award recipient is truly special, and Emily embodies exactly what this program is meant to honor. Her compassion, professionalism and commitment to her patients and coworkers make her an outstanding member of our team.”

“Emily sets a remarkable standard for nursing excellence,” said Diana Landsverk, RN, BSN, MBA, Chief Nursing Officer, Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center and Davis Health System. “She is a steady, supportive presence for her team and a compassionate caregiver for our patients. We are so proud to recognize her with our inaugural DAISY Award.”

Harris expressed her gratitude for the recognition and the team she works alongside each day.

“It means so much to know that my coworkers see and appreciate the work we do together,” she said. “I’m honored to receive this award, and I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive and caring team.”

For more information or to nominate a nurse for the DAISY Award at Davis Medical Center, Broaddus Hospital or Webster Memorial Hospital, visit DavisHealthSystem.org.

About Vandalia Health: Vandalia Health, headquartered in Charleston, is a multi-state health system with locations across West Virginia as well as in Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Made up of CAMC Health System, Davis Health System and Mon Health System, Vandalia Health’s 17 hospitals (including 3 affiliates) provide a comprehensive variety of services including the only kidney transplant center in southern West Virginia, the first freestanding women and children’s hospital in West Virginia, a Level I Trauma Center (highest ranking), a Level I pediatric intensive care unit (highest ranking) and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit (with the most critical NICU resources). Vandalia Health also has over 220 outpatient locations, more than 13,000 employees and more than 2,000 doctors and advanced practice providers. Additionally, the Institute for Academic Medicine provides education, outreach and research support to student physicians and other medical professionals hosting, on any given day, more than 1,000 students in programs leading to degrees or certifications in health professions. For more information or a map of locations visit VandaliaHealth.org.