Darrell Daugherty, RN, Honored With Nurses Making a Difference Award

CHICO, Calif., May 6, 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.

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