Mari Dailey, RN, Receives Inaugural Nurses Making a Difference Award

CHICO, Calif., May 7, 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 Chico State. 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.

To learn more about Enloe’s Nurses Making a Difference Award, visit www.enloe.org/nursesaward.

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