Sara Whitead Receives WCHS’s Daisy Award

Winnebago, NE – The Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System (WCHS) proudly recognizes Nurse Sara Whitead as a 2025 DAISY Award® nominee for Extraordinary Nurses. Sara was honored during a heartfelt ceremony on May 6th, 2025, as WCHS celebrated her exceptional compassion, skill, and dedication to patient-centered care. 

The DAISY Foundation, created in 1999 by the Barnes family in memory of Patrick Barnes, honors the extraordinary efforts of nurses around the world who make a profound difference in the lives of their patients. The DAISY Award® has become a symbol of gratitude, recognizing nurses who go above and beyond in their practice.  

Sara Whitead was nominated by a patient who experienced her extraordinary care firsthand in the Emergency Room. They shared a moving account of Sara’s care: 

“I had never felt so heard and cared for in the ER before. She made sure that I was comfortable through every step of my care. When I was walking in, she helped me and made sure that I had everything I needed to get settled in the room. At first, I refused pain meds, but she saw how much pain I was in and suggested something to help me get through the night, and I realized she was right. She was so kind, patient, attentive, and compassionate with me the whole night. It’s been over a year since that night, but I still think about how much she cared and helped me through one of the toughest nights of my life. I am forever grateful for Sara.” 

Sara’s ability to provide not just medical support, but deeply human and empathetic care, reflects the highest ideals of the nursing profession. Her attentiveness and compassion left a lasting impression on a patient facing one of the most difficult nights of her life. 

Sara McIntosh, Chief Nursing Officer at WCHS, shared, “Sara Whitead embodies the very heart of what it means to be a nurse. Her kindness, skill, and intuition turned a moment of profound pain into one of healing and comfort. We are so proud to have Sara as part of our team.” 

At WCHS, the DAISY Award® continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary work done by nurses every day. Sara Whitead’s nomination stands as a testament to the impact of empathy, attentiveness, and genuine care in the lives of those we serve.