Salisbury Daisy Awardee: July 2026

TidalHealth Peninsula Regional is pleased to announce that Regina Prendergast, RN, has been selected as its DAISY Award recipient for July 2026 for the extraordinary compassion, dedication and humanity she brings to her patients and colleagues in the Emergency Department.

During an especially challenging night in the ED, the team was managing a continuous flow of high-acuity patients and an exceptionally high census. In the midst of the demands of the shift, one of Prendergast's patients, who had a do-not-intubate and do-not-resuscitate order, began to decline rapidly. The patient's family was out of town and unable to be there with him.

Despite caring for other patients who also needed her attention, Prendergast recognized what this patient needed most in that moment. She went into his room, held his hand and remained by his side as he passed away.

"No one should die alone," Prendergast said.

Her compassion left a lasting impression not only on her patient but also on the colleagues working alongside her that night. Her nominator shared that Prendergast's actions served as a powerful reminder to slow down, even during the most demanding moments, and recognize the humanity at the heart of nursing.

Prendergast is admired by her colleagues for the compassion and work ethic she demonstrates every shift. She leads by example and represents the kind of nurse others aspire to become.

"Gina is the example for the kind of nurse I want to be and who I want my coworkers to emulate," her nominator shared.

Prendergast was honored with the DAISY Award in a ceremony before her colleagues. She received a certificate commending her for being an extraordinary nurse, and a sculpture called A Healer's Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, California, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Barnes died at age 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little-known but not uncommon autoimmune disease.The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

To nominate a TidalHealth registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) for this award, visit our DAISY Award Nomination Form.

Powered by people. Guided by care.

Interested in a career at TidalHealth? Explore open career opportunities at: tidalhealthcareers.org