East Georgia Regional Medical Center (EGRMC) proudly announces that Eddie Saxon, Assistant Manager of the Critical Care Departments, including ICU, CCU, PCU, and the Dialysis Unit, has been honored with the DAISY Nurse Leader Award for his exemplary leadership, compassionate care, and unwavering dedication to staff and patients alike.
The DAISY Nurse Leader Award recognizes those who create an environment of compassion and excellence, not only for patients but also for the nurses and teams they lead. Eddie Saxon embodies the very spirit of this recognition.
Described by his colleagues as a visionary and compassionate leader, Eddie has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to patient-centered care while fostering a positive, inclusive, and empowering work environment. His leadership has elevated team morale and job satisfaction, helping his departments thrive even in the most challenging times.
“Eddie’s door is always open,” one colleague shared. “He listens, encourages, and leads with wisdom and humor. Even during tense moments, his calming presence and quick wit help us push through.”
Beyond his clinical expertise and problem-solving abilities, Eddie is praised for his fairness, empathy, and tireless dedication. Despite personal health challenges, he remains a constant presence, often stepping in when night shifts are short staffed or team members need extra support.
“He leads by example,” another team member noted. “Eddie supports our professional goals, advocates for our needs, and makes sure every nurse feels seen and valued.”
His colleagues highlighted how Eddie regularly updates the team through transparent communication and works diligently to fill staffing gaps, all while maintaining a spirit of optimism and grace under pressure.
“Eddie is the kind of leader others should aspire to be,” a staff member shared. “He hears what we have to say, even when he can’t fix everything, and he works hard to find answers and guide positive change.”
Eddie Saxon’s commitment to excellence, both in nursing and leadership, has left a lasting impact on East Georgia Regional Medical Center. His dedication, humility, and heartfelt service make him a truly deserving recipient of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.
The Daisy Leader Award, established by the DAISY Foundation in 1999 in memory of Patrick Barnes, includes the Healer's Touch Sculpture—a beautiful hand-carved piece from serpentine stone by a Shona artist from Zimbabwe, symbolizing the deep connection between nurses and their patients.
About the Nurse Leader Daisy Award
The following criteria are listed for the recipient of the nurse leader Daisy Award:
- Nurse leaders are recognized for the demands on leaders are different:
- They provide a haven of safety for staff, both physically and emotionally
- They ensure standards of quality patient care are maintained
- They ensure nurses have access to the technology and equipment they need – and the information
- They manage human and financial resources across staffing, supplies and more
- They drive team development, resiliency, and competency, ensuring their team members are meaningfully recognized for the work they do for patients and families
- These leaders provide a setting whose compassion is valued, and staff, in turn, treat patients and their families with deep humanity
- As their work is different, so are the criteria for The DAISY Nurse Leader Award different. Nurse leaders are recognized for:
- Creating an environment whose attributes of trust, compassion, mutual respect, continued professional development and ethical behavior are modeled and supported
- Being accessible, available, and responsive to the needs of their team
- Problem-solving and encouraging critical thinking
- Advocating for their teams
- Ensuring that the needs of the teams are communicated to organization leadership and organizational priorities and directions are communicated to their teams
- Being compassionate leaders
For further information regarding the DAISY Foundation and its prestigious awards, please visit www.daisyfoundation.org