The College of Nursing at Brigham Young University partners with the DAISY Foundation to recognize nursing professors and students who show extraordinary compassion. After the death of Patrick Barnes at the age of 33 from complications of an autoimmune disease, the Barnes family decided to do something positive to honor him. They established DAISY—an acronym for diseases attacking the immune system—to thank the nurses who cared for him and recognize exceptional nurses worldwide.
This semester’s DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students was presented to Natalie Dunkley, a second-semester student. Natalie was nominated by 15 of her peers, which demonstrates her extraordinary compassion and dedication as a nurse. One student, Charity, wrote, “Natalie is incredibly respectful and complimentary of all faculty and students. She is so humble, loves, and enjoys learning and growing. She is more proactively engaged in a good cause than anyone I’ve met here at BYU. She is a true friend and just a good soul.”
Another student, Halle, said, “Natalie follows the Spirit and reaches out to other students in her cohort. She makes everyone feel loved and valued in such little ways, such as taking the time to listen to someone, helping when someone needs help, celebrating when someone has something exciting and teaching when someone doesn’t understand something. She’s always willing to help others at the drop of a hat.”
Maya added, “Natalie is a ray of sunshine. She has a contagious smile and laugh that she is constantly sharing. When Natalie asks you how you are, you don’t think she is being nice; you know she is genuinely interested in you. You never question whether or not she loves you.”
Upon receiving the award, Natalie was filled with a sense of humility and gratitude. “I was very honored to receive this award,” she explained. “It was very humbling to hear what my peers had to share about me. Nursing school can be stressful and just life itself. It’s easy to get down on ourselves and feel like we are not doing enough. However, my peers’ comments helped me see things that I don’t always notice. It inspired me to reach out to others and continue to build connections with my classmates.” Natalie continued, “Although not everyone can receive this award, I wish they could. Receiving this award reminded me that everyone struggles, and everyone needs to be celebrated for their hard work from time to time. I want to be quick to acknowledge good in others and be someone who helps those around me see their true potential.”
The College of Nursing is pleased to present Natalie Dunkley with this award to recognize her exceptional compassion.