Extraordinary Nurse Recognized at Nashville General Hospital: Gemma Gail Zerna, RN

Gemma Gail Zerna, RN — known to her colleagues and patients simply as Gail — was honored as the February 2026 DAISY Award winner for an act of compassion that exemplifies the very essence of nursing excellence.

Recently, an ICU patient experiencing homelessness was ready for discharge, but faced a barrier that could have unraveled everything: he had no money to pay for the prescriptions he needed to continue his recovery. Without hesitation, Gail stepped in and personally covered the cost of his medications out of her own funds. That single act ensured the patient could leave the hospital with the care he needed — preventing complications, supporting his recovery, and giving him stability during one of the most vulnerable moments of his life.

What makes Gail's action even more striking is that this is not an isolated incident. She is well known among her colleagues for going the extra mile to connect patients with resources, offering emotional support, and quietly advocating for those who need it most. Empathy and advocacy aren't part of her job description — they are how she nurses.

"Her intervention not only addressed the patient's immediate medical needs but also restored his faith in humanity, reminding him that he is valued and supported," wrote the colleague who nominated her. "Gail's compassion extends beyond clinical duties, making a profound difference in the lives she touches."

About The DAISY Foundation

In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 5,000 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nurses Advancing Health Equity, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, Lifetime Achievement in Nursing and through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects, Medical Mission Grants and their new Health Equity Grant programs. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org

Honoree Details

• Name: Gemma Gail Zerna, RN
• Goes by: Gail
• Department: Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Award period: February 2026 DAISY Award winner