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Rebekah Chesnut Wins DAISY Award for Nurses

Rebekah Chesnut is honored with the DAISY Award for her compassionate nursing care.
All categories Press releases CommonSpirit TN & GA

CHATTANOOGA, TN (May 8, 2026) – CommonSpirit – Memorial Hospital recently honored Rebekah Chesnut, a registered nurse, with the DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses.  

A patient’s family nominated Chesnut for her care.  “In the midst of my distress, Rebekah was warm, calming, friendly and displayed a gentle demeanor that helped me find some semblance of peace. I became extremely nauseous and overwhelmed by the medication I was given and Rebekah immediately sprung into action and was able to provide me with some relief. To some this may seem like minor things, but to the patient who is experiencing all of this, it is quite significant. It is heartwarming to learn that Memorial continues to employ compassionate, intelligent and supportive nurses who genuinely care about their patients.”

Chesnut works in the presurgery and postsurgery department at CommonSpirit – Memorial Hospital – Chattanooga. She has worked at CommonSpirit for 25 years.

CommonSpirit partners with the DAISY Foundation to recognize the difference nurses make in the lives of patients and coworkers.

Each month, nurses are chosen to receive this award that honors compassionate care. Honorees receive a bouquet of daisies, a certificate, a copy of their nomination letter and a sculpture called A Healer’s Touch. Artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa hand carved the sculpture. The honoree's nursing unit also receives a cinnamon doughnut party. This is because it takes a team for a nurse to achieve their best. Tasty Doughnuts donates the treats.

About CommonSpirit Memorial Hospital

CommonSpirit – Memorial Hospital is a not-for-profit, faith-based health care organization. It focuses on the healing ministry of the Church. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth founded the hospital. It offers a continuum of care including preventive, primary and acute hospital care. It also offers cancer, heart, neuroscience and stroke care, along with orthopedic and rehabilitation services. Memorial Hospital is a regional referral center with 4,700 employees and almost 500 associated physicians. They provide health care throughout Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. To learn more, visit commonspirit.org/memorial.