“A pillar of this hospital”: 2026 DAISY Leader Award Goes to Nursing Supervisor John Nagel

May 10, 2026

DAISY Leader John Nagel standing with his team.

Congratulations to John Nagel, RN, recent winner of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award!

John, a Clinical Nursing Supervisor, was nominated by colleagues for his outstanding leadership, compassionate approach to patient care, and unwavering support of nursing staff and operations.

The Nurse Leader Award recognizes nurses who have made an lasting impact on the profession and those they serve through exceptional leadership and extraordinarily compassionate patient care. Honorees can be any nurse leader who impacts patient care directly including Managers, Nursing Supervisors, Lead RN’s or directors, with the top candidates demonstrating the following attributes:

  • Role modeling extraordinary behavior     
  • Creating an environment where attributes of trust, compassion, mutual respect, continued professional development and ethical behavior are modeled and supported
  • Motivating staff with a shared vision and enthusiasm to achieve better outcomes for themselves and for their patients
  • Promoting and enhancing the image of nursing within the organization, the community, and the profession

In his supervisory nursing role, John consistently goes above and beyond to ensure patients and staff remain safe while helping operations run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Colleagues describe him as present, collaborative and highly skilled at problem-solving, approaching situations thoughtfully and proactively to make the best decisions for everyone involved.

John’s strong communication skills and calm leadership presence have made him a trusted resource across departments. Team members frequently look to him for guidance on patient care situations, knowing he will offer thoughtful direction, practical support and encouragement. His extensive knowledge and experience in behavioral health nursing have also proven invaluable in challenging situations, where his ability to de-escalate crises helps create a safer environment for both patients and staff.

In addition to his day-to-day leadership responsibilities, John continually demonstrates a strong commitment to the professional growth and development of nursing teams. His involvement in process improvement initiatives and committee work reflects his dedication to strengthening nursing practice and supporting organizational excellence at Pine Rest.

Those who work alongside John consistently describe him as compassionate, humble and deeply committed to our mission. His steady leadership, professionalism and genuine care for others leaves a lasting impact. Thank you, John, for your compassion, integrity and many contributions to Pine Rest and the nursing profession!


The DAISY Award is presented in collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). To learn more and/or nominate an extraordinary Pine Rest nurse, visit our DAISY Nomination page.




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