SHELTON, WA – Mason Health is thrilled to announce two recipients of the 2026 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses: Amanda Diaz, RN (Birth Center) and Patricia (Trisha) Agnese, RN (Medical Surgical Pediatrics). Diaz and Agnese were honored during Mason Health’s DAISY Award Ceremony on Tuesday, May 12. The date was chosen intentionally: it coincided with National Nurses Week, Mason Health Week and the American Hospital Association’s National Hospital Week. It also marked the 206th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. Nightingale is the founder of modern nursing.

“Amanda and Trisha exemplify the very best in nursing through their dedication to clinical excellence and commitment to patient-centered care. They consistently go beyond routine responsibilities, offering comfort, dignity, and advocacy to patients and families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives,” said Kris Gaa, chair of Mason Health’s DAISY Awards Committee. “Their ability to blend advanced skill with genuine empathy and compassion reflects the heart of the nursing profession, fostering trust and healing in every interaction. Whether through small acts of kindness or extraordinary efforts in critical situations, they demonstrate integrity, teamwork, and diligence in improving outcomes. Together, they set a powerful standard, reminding us that exceptional nursing is not only about expertise, but also about humanity.”

One of Amanda’s nominations highlighted her compassionate nature and tremendous bedside manner:

“Amanda made the experience of having my first baby the best experience ever. She was so compassionate, efficient with everything, and by my side the whole time. She made me feel so safe and comfortable. Anyone who has her as their nurse is so lucky. I hope to have her with me for every delivery!” 

Another patient wrote: “I learned the absolute most from Amanda.  If it wasn’t for her helping me figure out breast feeding, I don’t think I’d be doing as well as I am now.  Now I am extremely confident I’ll be able to breast feed whereas before I was unsure if I could. She was so very sweet/kind/and gentle. She was also a part of my C section checking in on me and even took a picture to show me my son while I was being sewn up and he was having complications.  I was so grateful for that and it calmed my nerves.  She is such a wonderful woman.”

Another patient highlighted Trisha’s willingness to go above and beyond: “I arrived in the ED with elevated heart rate and low blood pressure. Advised ED doctor I was a heart failure patient with an ICD.  After being admitted to med/surg I called my cardiologist to ask for assistance and was told that my ICD should be interrogated before leaving & the ED could do so.  By the time I'd received this information the med/surg doctor was gone for the day and Trisha came on her evening shift,” the patient said.  “She retrieved the equipment from the ED, contacted Abbott, learned how to use it, and downloaded the data from my ICD.  She then went to the ED and printed the report so the doctor would have it the following morning.  She did all this while showing a high level of concern and compassion for me as a patient.  She was awesome!!”

Several of Amanda’s colleagues also recognized her leadership skills and willingness to go the extra mile.

“Amanda is one of a kind. She provides exceptional nursing care not only in the Birth Center but hospital wide. We depend on her leadership skills and are excited for her future here at Mason General Hospital.  She constantly goes above and beyond to ensure that our workflows are optimal, making our jobs easier and our care safe and efficient.” 

Trisha’s colleagues mirrored the sentiment.

“Trisha is a kind and professional nurse who has decades of medical experience to share with the Mason General team,” said Sharon Reclusado, RN, Medical Surgical Pediatrics nurse. “She is a great communicator and has good rapport with her patients.  She is independent and reliable and makes being the charge nurse smooth and steady.”  

“I just adore Trisha. She’s been a beloved addition to MSP since she joined our team years ago,” said Lacy Eveland, RN, Medical Surgical Pediatrics nurse. “She is kind, patient, and gets along with everyone. Even on the craziest of days, she is always calm and helpful to her team members. Trisha has the gift of anticipation and excellent bedside nursing skills.”

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is part of the national DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care that nurses provide patients and families every day.

In 2026, Mason Health proudly recognized nearly 20 nominees across multiple departments, including: Megan Corbin, RN (Medical Surgical Pediatrics); Brent “James” Gillis, RN (Emergency Department); Marica Thomas, RN (Birth Center); Michele Rose, RN (Wound Care); and Brandy Lazarus, RN (Intensive Care Unit).

Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. The award recipient is chosen by a committee of Mason Health staff, including frontline nursing professionals and department leaders. Each DAISY honoree receives a certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a hand-carved sculpture titled A Healer’s Touch, created by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.

To nominate an extraordinary nurse, visit: www.daisyfoundation.org/daisy-award/thank-your-nurse-nomination or www.masonhealth.com.

Mason Health, Public Hospital District No. 1 of Mason County is ISO 9001 Quality Management System certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation. Mason General Hospital and Mason Clinic are ENERGY STAR® certified and Mason Health is the recipient of one Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Award, three Partner for Change Awards, two Greening the Operating Room Awards, a Making Medicine Mercury Free Award and an Emerald Award. To learn more about Mason Health’s sustainability efforts, visit https://www.masonhealth.com/about/sustainability-environmental-stewardship. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 19 specialties. For more information or to find a health care provider, visit www.masonhealth.com. To learn more about DNV, visit www.dnv.com/healthcare.

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