- AdventHealth
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla., July 23, 2019 – AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach recognized licensed practical nurse Olivia Ellis with the DAISY award.
The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care provided by nurses.
Ellis works in the medical-surgical unit on the second floor and was nominated for this recognition by a patient.
“Having to be admitted to the hospital in the middle of the night isn't high on anybody's list of favorite things to do. I was in the ER for over three hours. The staff wanted to be sure that there wasn’t a stone unturned. I was wheeled from post-to-post to get everything done,” the patient wrote in her nomination form.
The patient recalled how she began to cry when she reached the medical-surgical unit.
“As I was having my private pity party, Olivia walked up to me and put her arms around me and said, ‘Sis, let's go to your room and I'll show you around.’ From that point on, I knew that I had a new best friend,” the patient wrote. “She loves her job and it shows with every deed she attempts. She sure made me feel important and proud for people to see me with Olivia and know that we were friends. In my life, God has never been so direct with me knowing I needed Olivia.”
Created in 1999, more than 2,500 healthcare facilities in all 50 states, as well as 15 other countries, use the DAISY Award to honor nurses.
In recognition of this honor, Ellis received a bouquet of daisies, a certificate, a tote bag, and a hand-carved stone sculpture of the “Healer’s Touch” by an artist of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.
Her unit, the AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach medical-surgical unit on the second floor, also received cinnamon rolls and a DAISY banner to display.
About AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach
AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach has 109-beds and is one of the six hospitals in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties that composes the AdventHealth Central Florida Division - North Region. Formerly known as Florida Hospital New Smyrna, the organization’s parent company changed the name of all wholly-owned entities to AdventHealth on Jan. 2, 2019. Based in Altamonte Springs, AdventHealth is a connected system of care. With more than 80,000 team members, AdventHealth is one of the nation’s largest faith-based health care systems with nearly 50 hospitals and hundreds of care sites in nearly a dozen states. With the mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach provides whole person care to heal the body, mind and spirit. For more information about AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach, visit AdventHealthNewSmyrnaBeach.com.
Photo Caption:
AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach recognized licensed practical nurse Olivia Ellis with the DAISY award. Ellis works in the hospital’s medical-surgical unit on the second floor and was nominated for this recognition by a patient. Pictured here: Julie Lawlor, second floor medical-surgical unit nurse manager; Ellis; Dawn Lynch, chief nursing officer; and Karen Duncan, executive director of inpatient services.
Recent News
Three new degrees will help meet community’s evolving workforce needs
In response to the community’s evolving healthcare needs, AdventHealth University introduces three new degree programs designed to prepare students to serve where they are needed most.
Expanding care close to home: What’s ahead for Flagler County hospitals
More than 70 business leaders, clinicians, elected officials and nonprofit partners gathered Thursday for Flagler County’s annual State of the Hospitals address.
Closer care for the tiniest patients: AdventHealth Ocala advances what a rural Level II NICU can do
Advanced NICU care in Ocala keeps fragile newborns close to home—and families together when it matters most.
From silence to support: How one man’s mental health journey is helping others find healing
Johnny Crowder’s story inspires a text-based mental health solution now reaching the Tampa Bay community, supported by AdventHealth.
3 AdventHealth hospitals recognized for delivering safe, high-quality care in Flagler, Volusia counties
Three AdventHealth hospitals received five-star overall hospital quality ratings, the highest possible score from CMS, and are the only hospitals in Flagler and Volusia counties to earn that...
Married AdventHealth nurses earn bachelor’s degrees together while caring for patients
Through a partnership with Lake-Sumter State College, the couple advanced their training without stepping away from the bedside.
What 26.2 miles taught one longtime nurse about caring for patients
AdventHealth Daytona Beach nurse Julius Dayandante says marathon running and nursing require many of the same qualities: patience, discipline and endurance.
Worried about his dog, a DeLand patient finds unexpected help from hospital nurses
Even as Ted DeGuzman struggled to breathe, his mind kept coming back to one thing: Luna.
AdventHealth brings steadier care to patients by reducing nurse turnover
Nursing turnover across the East Florida Division dropped from 16.4% to 12.3% in 2025 as hospitals strengthened support and expanded opportunities for nurses.
At the bedside, an ICU nurse carries lessons from home
While caring for her father through serious illness, ICU nurse Kaleigh Hulsman learned lessons in compassion she now brings to patients.
Palm Coast nurse earns national emergency certification to strengthen patient care
Support from local foundation helps AdventHealth nurse advance skills for high-pressure moments.
Mother, daughter pursue nursing careers through education partnership
Family story highlights how AdventHealth’s dynamic learning community helps shape the next generation of nurses.