Nursing Awards & Recognition

Recognizing Our Extraordinary Nurses

Albany Medical Center is proud to recognize members of our nursing team for excellence in patient care and leadership. No accomplishment is too small to make a big difference on our team. Congratulations to our nurses on their most recent successes.

Pillars of Nursing Excellence

The Pillars of Nursing Excellence Award is one of the most prestigious honors bestowed by Albany Medical Center for nurses exhibiting excellence in patient care and leadership. Each year, staff are invited to nominate nurses for a Pillars award. The six winners are recognized during Nurses Week. Read about our 2024 Pillars of Nursing honorees.

It is an honor to receive this award, but I go home with an award every day—an award of satisfaction and happiness from our patients and my team.”
Hemangini Sharma, RN, MSN, CGRDigestive Diseases Center

DAISY Award

The DAISY Award is celebrated each month to highlight exceptional care by our nurses. The international nursing excellence award is based on nominations submitted by patients and their families. Learn more about the DAISY Award at Albany Medical Center.

After I received my kidney transplant, my extraordinary nurse took the best care of me. Davey left me feeling empowered, well cared for, and seen as an individual, not just another task to complete.”
Renal transplant patient

Assistant Nurse Manager Named Employee of the Year

Briana Caban, an assistant nurse manager in the Emergency Department, was named Albany Medical Center’s 2022 Employee of the Year. Briana was selected for the honor out of nearly 200 nominations submitted by staff members. Read more.

Briana is the type of person who makes things happen. She wins hearts and minds, and makes an enormous difference each day—quietly, but surely. Briana is simply the best of the best.”
Emergency Department colleague

Neurology Nurse Receives I CARE Award

Skye McKinney, RN, from Neurology was honored with an I CARE Award in 2023. Skye started in the practice as an administrative support associate in 2015. Since that time, she has worked her way to an LPN, and recently became a registered nurse through Albany Medical Center's Grow Our Own program. I CARE is a staff recognition award that honors employees who go above and beyond the expectations of the Albany Med CARES program through compassion, accountability, respect, and engagement.

Skye has a warm and caring personality that shines through every day. Patients adore her, and we are grateful to have her on our team.”
Neurology colleague