Sue Martin receives St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital’s first DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence
June 2, 2026
GREENSBORO, Ga. – Sue Martin, a registered nurse providing bedside care on the Medical/Surgical Unit at St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital, has received the hospital’s first DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence. She was nominated by the daughters of a patient whose outlook on recovery was changed by Martin’s care.
“I saw firsthand how every staff member treated him with calmness and kindness,” one daughter wrote. “Sue stood out above all. She took time to listen to my dad’s concerns, even while rushing between patients. She found common ground with him (they talked about ‘picking’ – buying and selling antiques) – and used that connection to brighten his spirits. Her care felt personal and heartfelt, not just excellent nursing, but real human kindness.”
On one occasion, the other daughter writes, “Nurse Sue surprised us all by pulling a harmonica from her pocket and playing a sweet song for him. In that moment, we truly believe she helped our dad turn a psychological corner. We saw a sense of calm and peace on his face that had not been there before. From that moment on, our dad seemed more optimistic and determined to heal.
“He and our family felt truly blessed to be surrounded by such compassionate and dedicated healthcare workers during that time,” she concludes.
Martin is a resident of Lexington. She joined St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital in November 2020.
About the DAISY Award
The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that celebrates the skillful and compassionate care nurses provide day in and day out. It was created in gratitude for the nurses who provided care to Patrick Barnes, a 33-year-old husband and father who lost his fight against a deadly autoimmune disease in 1999. His family created the DAISY Foundation, which now partners with more than 7,600 healthcare organizations and nursing schools in all 50 states and around the world to honor and inspire extraordinary nurses. Learn more about the DAISY Award here.
At St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital, each DAISY Award recipient is recognized at a public ceremony with their colleagues. They receive a certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a stone sculpture entitled "A Healer's Touch" that is hand-carved by sculptors in Zimbabwe. In addition, they and their colleagues are invited to celebrate the occasion with cinnamon rolls, a treat Patrick would request – even though he couldn’t eat them – as a thank-you to the nurses caring for him.
Anyone can nominate a Good Samaritan Hospital nurse for the DAISY Award, including patients, patients' family members, providers, and colleagues. The nomination simply asks you to share your story of why a nurse is special to you. You may submit your nomination online by clicking here.
