MADERA, Calif. – Valley Children’s Healthcare nurse Peter Rantz has been honored with the DAISY Award, a national recognition program that celebrates nurses for extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate patient care.
Rantz, a nurse in Pediatric Rehabilitation, was nominated by two patient families who praised his ability to connect with children while providing reassurance, support and clear communication during difficult hospital stays.
One nominator, Cameron, said Rantz consistently goes above and beyond for patients and families, including explaining medical procedures in ways children can understand and coordinating closely with care teams.
“Peter constantly demonstrates each value in every aspect of his work,” Cameron said. “He is above and beyond the most attentive nurse we’ve had.”
Another family credited Rantz with helping ease fear and anxiety during a challenging time for their child.
“Peter showed genuine kindness, patience and professionalism that made an incredibly difficult time feel more manageable,” the family wrote in its nomination. “His calm and caring presence helped ease fear and anxiety for both my child and our family.”
Rantz said receiving the award is meaningful because it reflects the approach he brings to patient care each day.
“Receiving the DAISY Award is extremely meaningful to me,” shared Peter. “I don’t come to work seeking awards or recognition, just to be a good person and a good nurse. I want patients to be kids again – smiling, healthy and going home to do normal kid things. Treating people like they’re part of your own family is my number one rule in patient care.”
The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care nurses provide to patients and families every day. Established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he passed away from complications of an autoimmune disease, the award is rooted in gratitude. During Patrick’s hospitalization, his family witnessed firsthand the profound impact nurses had – not only through their clinical expertise, but through their humanity, empathy and presence.
Wanting to express their appreciation in a meaningful and lasting way, the Barnes family created The DAISY Foundation. Today, healthcare organizations worldwide participate in the program, recognizing nurses who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of those they serve.
More than just an award, the DAISY recognition serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role nurses play in healing – not just physically, but emotionally. It highlights the connections they build, the comfort they provide and the advocacy they demonstrate every day. For patients and families navigating some of life’s most difficult moments, these acts of compassion leave lasting impressions.
To nominate a nurse for the DAISY Award, click here.
Previous DAISY Award Winners
