Leslie Paylor, RN, was recently recognized with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses during a surprise ceremony attended by her family, nursing leadership and senior administrators. Paylor, who was visibly shocked by the announcement, expressed deep gratitude for the honor.

Paylor was nominated by a colleague who, after transitioning to a new role, became a patient for the day. In the nomination, the colleague described arriving for surgery with significant anxiety—but shared that Paylor remained by their side throughout the experience, offering comfort, reassurance, and a compassionate presence that eased fears and lifted spirits. The patient noted that the impact Paylor made will always be remembered.

Paylor began her nursing career in 2002 and joined UNC Health Rockingham in 2008. She served at the hospital until 2012 when she left to pursue other opportunities; however, she ultimately returned to the organization in July 2023 as a nurse in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). Her dedication to patient-centered care has remained a constant throughout her career. Reflecting on the recognition, Paylor said, “I try to make people feel at ease every day — it’s part of my job, and I want to do anything I can to help my patients have a good experience.”

The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died from complications of the autoimmune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) at the age of thirty-three. His family wanted a meaningful way to recognize and honor nurses who, like those caring for Patrick and his family, provide excellent clinical care while showing great compassion for their patients. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem.

To nominate a nurse for The DAISY Award^® at UNC Health Rockingham, visit www.uncrockingham.org/thank-a-caregiver.

Photo Caption: 1) Leslie Paylor, RN after receiving The Healing Touch statue from the DAISY Foundation.