Jim Strickland
March 2026
Jim
Strickland
,
RN
Emergency Department
Morgan Medical Center
Madison
,
GA
United States
Because of his compassion, advocacy, and genuine care, we were able to get her the help she desperately needed on one of the scariest days our family has ever faced.
I would like to nominate James “Jim” Strickland for the DAISY Award for the extraordinary compassion, care, and humanity he showed my family during one of the most frightening days of our lives.
My 16-year-old daughter was experiencing a severe mental health crisis, and we brought her to Morgan Medical. Over the past year, we had been to several facilities seeking help, but no nurse had ever treated my daughter or me the way Jim did. This was an intense, emotional, and terrifying moment for our family, yet Jim immediately created an environment of safety and trust.
Jim took the time to truly listen to every concern we had. He spoke to my daughter with honesty, kindness, and respect, helping her understand the importance of being truthful so she could receive the help she needed. Because of his calm and reassuring presence, both my daughter and I felt heard and supported during a moment when fear could have easily taken over.
When my daughter was placed on a 10–13 hold, Jim carefully communicated each step of the process: where she was going, what would happen next, and how transportation would occur so there were no surprises. His clear communication eased so much of our anxiety during an already overwhelming situation. While we waited for transport, my daughter fell asleep. When I stepped outside to call her father and returned, Jim had thoughtfully arranged a recliner with blankets for me to rest. Later, he encouraged me to go home to shower and change, assuring me he would keep a close eye on my daughter and call me if anything changed. These acts of kindness were given freely, without expectation.
At no point during this experience did Jim know that I also work at the same facility. He cared for my daughter and supported our family with the same compassion, dignity, and attentiveness he would give any patient simply because that is who he is.
When transport arrived, and my daughter was walked out, I returned to her room, overwhelmed. I overheard Jim advocating for me, telling another nurse to give me a moment because this had been one of the hardest days of my life. Shortly after, he came in and gently told me there was no rush and that I should take all the time I needed. He also shared that he was praying not only for my daughter, but for our entire family.
I truly believe Jim helped my daughter more than he will ever know. Because of his compassion, advocacy, and genuine care, we were able to get her the help she desperately needed on one of the scariest days our family has ever faced. Jim didn’t just do the job; he cared for us as people. He is the kind of nurse every family hopes to encounter in their darkest moments. James “Jim” Strickland is deeply deserving of the DAISY Award.
My 16-year-old daughter was experiencing a severe mental health crisis, and we brought her to Morgan Medical. Over the past year, we had been to several facilities seeking help, but no nurse had ever treated my daughter or me the way Jim did. This was an intense, emotional, and terrifying moment for our family, yet Jim immediately created an environment of safety and trust.
Jim took the time to truly listen to every concern we had. He spoke to my daughter with honesty, kindness, and respect, helping her understand the importance of being truthful so she could receive the help she needed. Because of his calm and reassuring presence, both my daughter and I felt heard and supported during a moment when fear could have easily taken over.
When my daughter was placed on a 10–13 hold, Jim carefully communicated each step of the process: where she was going, what would happen next, and how transportation would occur so there were no surprises. His clear communication eased so much of our anxiety during an already overwhelming situation. While we waited for transport, my daughter fell asleep. When I stepped outside to call her father and returned, Jim had thoughtfully arranged a recliner with blankets for me to rest. Later, he encouraged me to go home to shower and change, assuring me he would keep a close eye on my daughter and call me if anything changed. These acts of kindness were given freely, without expectation.
At no point during this experience did Jim know that I also work at the same facility. He cared for my daughter and supported our family with the same compassion, dignity, and attentiveness he would give any patient simply because that is who he is.
When transport arrived, and my daughter was walked out, I returned to her room, overwhelmed. I overheard Jim advocating for me, telling another nurse to give me a moment because this had been one of the hardest days of my life. Shortly after, he came in and gently told me there was no rush and that I should take all the time I needed. He also shared that he was praying not only for my daughter, but for our entire family.
I truly believe Jim helped my daughter more than he will ever know. Because of his compassion, advocacy, and genuine care, we were able to get her the help she desperately needed on one of the scariest days our family has ever faced. Jim didn’t just do the job; he cared for us as people. He is the kind of nurse every family hopes to encounter in their darkest moments. James “Jim” Strickland is deeply deserving of the DAISY Award.