Lisa Lilligren, a registered nurse at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital, was awarded the prestigious DAISY Award for her good work on Friday. The DAISY is an international award that recognizes nurses for extraordinary acts of compassion or a relationship they create with a patient that makes a difference.

One of Lilligren's patients, Venice resident Barry Anderson, presented her with the award. “Lisa was an extraordinary nurse. She reflects exactly what your value statement states—she was kind, compassionate, knowledgeable, professional and had a great sense of humor. She made me totally at ease, and you should be very proud to have her on your team,” Anderson said. 

Lilligren accepted the award during her shift. “We make a connection with our patients. It’s our privilege to care for them,” she said—then quickly rushed back to continue caring for them.