OSWEGO – Some moments in healthcare stay with us forever—not because of the outcome, but because of how someone showed up when it mattered most. That is exactly what The DAISY Foundation seeks to honor through the DAISY Award ®, a national recognition program that celebrates nurses who go above and beyond in delivering compassionate, skillful care to patients and families.
At Oswego Health, Allysha Barbera, RN, becomes the organization’s second-ever DAISY Award recipient—an honor that reflects not only her extraordinary care, but the culture of compassion and excellence that defines nursing across the organization.
Allysha’s nomination tells a story that is both heartbreaking and powerful—a reminder of the profound impact a nurse can have during life’s most difficult moments:
“I’m a retired surgical nurse. I worked in surgery for 35 years. Some patients were transferred to CCU. Our department had a good working relationship with the CCU nurses. Allysha is one of the most compassionate, respectful and professional CCU nurses I ever met.
My husband went into respiratory arrest followed by cardiac arrest and was resuscitated. This was unexpected. He was transferred to CCU. It was the first time I ever met Allysha. She treated us like family. She was there every step of the way, especially when my sons and I made the decision for comfort care only. The ventilator was removed—one of the worst days of our lives. Allysha supported us the entire time.
After his passing, I thanked her for all she had done for us. She responded, ‘I treat every patient that comes here like I would want my family to be treated.’ I see so many nurses there for a paycheck. This one is one of a kind. The world should have more dedicated, caring nurses like her—devoted, intelligent, respectful, competent, compassionate, and professional.”
It is difficult to read this story without feeling the weight of that moment—and the grace with which Allysha guided that family through it. Her care exemplifies nursing at its very best: unwavering presence, empathy, professionalism, and compassion when it matters most.
Allysha’s journey at Oswego Health reflects her commitment to growth and exceptional patient care. She began her career with the organization in 2021 as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Fulton Urgent Care before transitioning to the Ambulatory Surgery Unit, where she advanced from LPN to Registered Nurse (RN). In 2024, she earned her RN II designation, demonstrating continued clinical excellence. Later that year, Allysha joined the Intensive Care Unit, where she currently serves patients and families during some of their most critical moments.
“The DAISY Award recognizes nurses who leave a lasting impact through extraordinary compassion and clinical excellence, and Allysha embodies exactly what this honor represents,” said Katie Pagliaroli, MS, BSN, RN, SVP, COO & Chief Nursing Officer at Oswego Health. “At Oswego Health, our mantra is simple: ‘We Care’. Allysha demonstrates that commitment in every interaction—with patients, families, and colleagues alike. She cares deeply, advocates for her patients, and leads with both clinical excellence and heart. We are proud to recognize her with this well-deserved honor.”
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care nurses provide patients and families every day. The foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away in 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), an autoimmune disease. Deeply moved by the compassionate care Patrick received from nurses during his illness, his family created the DAISY Award as a meaningful way to thank nurses worldwide.
Today, the DAISY Award is celebrated in thousands of healthcare facilities and nursing schools internationally. At Oswego Health nurses may be nominated by patients, families, visitors, and colleagues for demonstrating extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care. Nominations are reviewed by a blinded committee process to ensure fairness and thoughtful consideration of each submission.
Each DAISY Award honoree receives:
- A certificate recognizing them as an “Extraordinary Nurse”
- A DAISY Award pin
- A hand-carved sculpture titled “A Healer’s Touch,” created by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe
Awards are presented throughout the year during celebrations attended by colleagues, leadership, patients, and visitors.
Patients, families, and staff members who wish to nominate a nurse can submit a nomination online at:
Nominate an Oswego Health Nurse for the DAISY Award
To learn more about the global impact of the DAISY Award program, visit:
###
About Oswego Health
The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents throughout Central New York. As a nonprofit healthcare system established in 1881, Oswego Health is proud to be one of Oswego County’s largest private employers. More than 1,400+ employees spread throughout its 25 campuses, work for the Oswego Health system, which includes the 132-bed community Oswego Hospital, a 32-bed psychiatric acute-care facility with multiple outpatient behavioral health service locations, The Manor at Seneca Hill, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility, and Springside at Seneca Hill, an independent retirement community. The health system also operates Oswego Health Home Care, the only hospital-based certified home healthcare agency in the County, as well as two outpatient centers, including the Fulton Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, physical therapy, and occupational health services, and the Central Square Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, and physical therapy services. In addition, the healthcare system includes Oswego Health Medical Practice, a multi-specialty medical group offering the community accessible, high-quality healthcare. 300+ physicians and advanced practice providers offer an extensive array of services across CNY, including primary care and specialty care in orthopedics, cardiology, ENT, gastroenterology, breast care, general surgery, urology, pulmonology, and bariatrics; for more information about Oswego Health, visit www.oswegohealth.org.
Discover more from Oswego County Today
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Be the first to comment