Recent Award Winner
Mari Dailey, RN, Honored in 2025
Mari Dailey, RN, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse, was recognized as the inaugural recipient of Enloe Health’s Nurses Making a Difference Award. Dailey has worked in the Nettleton Mother & Baby Care Center since 1982. The award was announced as part of National Nurses Week, which is celebrated May 6-12.
“She is so caring and compassionate with the patients and their families. She is always busy working, but never too busy to lend a hand to anyone who needs help or has questions. Her joy, positivity and work ethic are inspiring,” said Stephanie Bunch, RN. Bunch, a labor and delivery nurse, nominated her colleague for the award.
Enloe Health caregivers and volunteers submitted nominations for the Nurses Making a Difference Award. There was a total of 35 nurses nominated. After reviewing the nominees, Enloe Health’s Nurses Executive Committee selected the winner.
“I am honored to be the inaugural winner of this prestigious award. Receiving an award for doing the job that I love to do is very humbling,” Dailey said.
Dailey’s career at Enloe began in 1981. She was born at Enloe, raised in Chico and is a proud alumna of California State University, Chico. She has four children and worked alongside her daughter, Melissa, at Enloe for 15 years.
When her son died of cancer as a child, Dailey knew she wanted to work for the Mother & Baby unit to care for infants.
“My desire to work with babies grew following my son’s death. I knew I wanted to care for them, and I continue to do so gracefully,” Dailey said.
About the Award
Enloe Health is fortunate to have a talented and dedicated nursing staff. We value honoring those who give so much to our community.
In 2025, Enloe presented the Nurses Making a Difference Award for the first time. This lifetime achievement award will be presented annually to an Enloe nurse whose body of work — inside and outside the profession — has created a lasting impact in the communities we serve.
View the criteria.
