ECU Health North Hospital recognized emergency room RN Darryl Norman for receiving the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. 

This honor celebrates his exceptional compassion and dedication to patient care, the hospital said.

Norman was nominated by a patient who shared a heartfelt story about her experience during a visit to the emergency department in July while beginning a family vacation at Lake Gaston. “From the moment Darrly was her assigned nurse he ensured she received prompt and attentive care,” the hospital said. “His calm confidence and professional expertise immediately put her at ease, reassuring her that she was in excellent hands. Darrly’s kindness and commitment made a lasting impression, and she credits him with making a difficult moment much more manageable.”

"I would like to thank Darryl for providing timely, compassionate care,” said Andrea Chivers, vice president of Patient Care Services. “It’s a true honor to recognize a nurse for going above and beyond what they would consider ‘Just doing my job.’ It's the small things that matter and his attention to the patient and their needs spoke volumes.”

The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that celebrates the skillful and compassionate care nurses provide every day. 

It was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died from complications of the autoimmune disease ITP in 1999. 

The Barnes family deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his entire family during his hospitalization, and they founded the DAISY Foundation to publicly express their gratitude to nurses.

Norman joined ECU Health North Hospital as a travel nurse over a year ago, bringing with him a strong foundation in emergency care and more than 25 years of experience in healthcare. 

His background includes 16 years as a Paramedic and nine years as a registered nurse, with three of those years spent providing specialized care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

“Throughout his career, Darryl has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication and compassion, earning the respect of both patients and colleagues,” the hospital said. “His depth of expertise and commitment to patient well-being continues to make a meaningful impact on every life he touches.”