Courtney Shoemake, RN, Honored with DAISY Award

CHATTANOOGA, TN (July 29, 2026) – CommonSpirit - Memorial Hospital recently honored Courtney Shoemake, RN, with the DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses.

A patient's family nominated Shoemake. The family stated Shoemake provided compassionate and personalized care, which gave them a sense of peace and support.

“What stood out most was how Courtney made us feel valued rather than burdensome. She never rushed us or showed frustration when we needed assistance. Her genuine care created an environment where my mother could focus on healing, and our family could feel supported during a stressful time.  Courtney's ability to provide such compassionate, personalized care despite the language barrier shows the heart of what nursing should be. We are deeply grateful for her dedication and believe she embodies the values celebrated by the Daisy Award.”

Shoemake works on 5 South, a medical/surgical unit at CommonSpirit - Memorial Hospital - Chattanooga. She has worked at CommonSpirit since 2021.

CommonSpirit partners with the DAISY Foundation to recognize the contributions nurses make to patients and coworkers.

Nurses are chosen each month to receive this award, which recognizes compassionate care. Honorees receive a bouquet of daisies, a certificate, a copy of the nomination letter and a sculpture called "A Healer's Touch." This sculpture is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa. The honoree's nursing unit also receives a cinnamon doughnut party. Tasty Doughnuts donates the treats.

To learn more about the DAISY Foundation, visit DAISYfoundation.org.
 

About CommonSpirit - Memorial Hospital
CommonSpirit - Memorial Hospital is a not-for-profit, faith-based health care organization. It was founded by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. It offers a continuum of care, including preventative, primary and acute hospital care, as well as cancer, cardiac, neuroscience, stroke care, orthopedic and rehabilitation services. Memorial Hospital is a regional referral center with 4,700 employees and almost 500 affiliated physicians providing health care throughout Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. To learn more, visit commonspirit.org/memorial.