Recent Award Winners
Darrell Daugherty, RN, Honored in 2026
Darrell Daugherty, RN, a perioperative nurse, was recognized as the second annual recipient of Enloe Health’s Nurses Making a Difference Award.
Daugherty has worked at Enloe since the early 1980s and spent a brief stint at Seneca District Hospital in Chester from 1992-1997. Since 2000, he’s been working in the Enloe Surgery department. The award was announced as part of National Nurses Week, which is celebrated May 6-12.
“Darrell is an exemplary team player. He makes himself available to cover open shifts, whether it is day, night, weekends or as a relief charge nurse. He cares deeply about his team and patients and will do whatever it takes to support patients and his peers,” said Daphne Meza, Surgical Quality Improvement Program Coordinator, who nominated Daugherty.
Nominations for the Nurses Making a Difference Award were submitted by Enloe Health caregivers and volunteers. There was a total of 23 nurses nominated. After reviewing the nominees, Enloe Health’s Nurses Executive Committee selected the winner.
“I’m truly honored to receive the Nurses Making a Difference Award,” Daugherty said. “This award represents our entire surgery team’s commitment to show up for patients and support one another. I’m grateful to work alongside people who share that purpose, and I’ll keep doing my best to serve our community with compassion and consistency.”
Daugherty’s nursing career started in 1983. He was born in Susanville and raised in Chester. When he’s not working at Enloe, Daugherty spends his time volunteering across the world for surgical missions. Within the last year, he’s traveled to Africa, Asia and Central America to volunteer.
“His commitment to volunteering gives back to the community and to the world,” Meza said.
Daugherty was drawn to nursing while he was in high school after participating in a Regional Occupational Program his senior year.
The Enloe Health Nurses Making a Difference Award is a lifetime achievement presented annually to an Enloe Health nurse whose body of work — both in and out of the profession — has made a lasting impact on the communities we serve. To receive this award, caregivers must have been with Enloe for at least five years and demonstrate exceptional care practices, teamwork, and clinical expertise.
2025: Mari Dailey, RN
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.
