Unity Hospice announced the 2025 honoree of the nationally recognized DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses during a recent awards ceremony held at Unity Grief and Education Center.

For her commitment to delivering the highest quality of care and compassion, Unity Registered Nurse Tonya Trimberger was presented with a personalized "Extraordinary Nurse" certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a hand-carved sculpture called "The Healer's Touch" which represents the bond between nurses and their patients. As a DAISY Honoree, Trimberger will also receive ongoing benefits, such as reduced certification rates with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the opportunity to apply for conference scholarships among others.

Nurses are eligible for the DAISY Award through nominations by patients, family members, physicians, community partners, and colleagues for their outstanding compassion and immense clinical skills based upon the following criteria:

• Models empathy and demonstrates a caring attitude in all situations.
• Demonstrates extraordinary clinical skills in the delivery of compassionate patient care.
• Has a positive attitude and demonstrates professionalism in the work environment.
• Exemplifies the mission, vision and values of Unity.
• Establishes a special connection with patients and families.

Trimberger received 5 separate nominations from family members of a hospice patient under her care. The nominations shared the following: “Throughout Brad's time with Unity Hospice, when Tonya walked through the doors, we all felt relief knowing that she was going to check on him and give him the best care possible! Her compassion was unmatchable. She cared so incredibly much about Brad as well as the rest of the family. She was caring, compassionate, patient, calming, and reassuring to each of us, always answering all of our large family's questions & concerns as soon as possible. She seems so passionate about this career. It is more than just a job for her. She has touched each of our hearts and we feel Brad was lucky to have her as his nurse in his final days. Tonya is an amazing nurse who goes above and beyond what she needs to do. The family could never pay her back. She deserves to be recognized for the amazing care she gives.”

Unity encourages everyone who has had an exceptional experience with a Unity nurse to express their gratitude by completing the DAISY Award Nomination form located at unityhospice.org/caregiver-resources.

“Unity is proud to be a DAISY Award partner. The kind of work our nurses are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of this international award. It’s a privilege to celebrate their contributions to compassionate, patient-centered care”, says Heidi Warpinski, Unity Senior Director of Nursing and Specialty Services.