Elaine McCord honored with The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurse Educators

The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurse Educators honors professionals for their extraordinary work to improve practice and advance patient care through teaching, precepting and mentoring. Honorees often serve as role models and mentors, leading by example and nurturing leadership qualities. They also often are adaptable and flexible in their teaching methods and are committed to lifelong learning and professional development. Learn more about the award here.

Congratulations to Elaine McCord, MSN, RN, director of patient education at Methodist Hospital, for being honored with The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurse Educators.

McCord, who is retiring at the end of 2025, is the first Methodist staff member to receive the award. She was nominated by Amy Brasel, MSN, RN, GERO-BC, NPD-BC, Magnet Program director for Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital.

In her nomination, Brasel wrote:

“Elaine McCord’s nursing career started at Methodist in 1984 with her caring for patients in the coronary and intensive care units prior to taking a position in the Cardiopulmonary Rehab Department. One thing she realized during this time was her love of educating patients. Spending time teaching her patients and their families allowed her to foster deep connections with them while impacting their overall outcome.

“In 2007, Elaine became a Learning Center consultant, where she taught new nurses how to perform skills to aid in their transition into nursing practice at Methodist. Her kindness, compassion, sense of humor, effective communication and listening skills led to her success in this role. Elaine made starting a new role less intimidating because she adapted teaching to meet the needs of the learner, which also made learning fun!

“In 2009, Elaine began serving as a staff nurse who supported maintaining the hospital’s prestigious Magnet recognition. This role was followed by her serving as the patient experience coordinator for five years prior to transitioning to the role of director of patient education for the health system, where she has remained since 2016. With each of these positions, Elaine built collaborative relationships with colleagues from a variety of disciplines and modeled nursing excellence and professionalism while growing her skills as a nurse educator and leader.

“A lifelong learner herself, Elaine models a deep commitment to continuous growth and professional development. In 2014, she obtained a Master of Nursing degree with a focus on education. Not only was she a good student, but she was so easy to work with. Many laughs were shared during those years, and her Teach Back research project grew her as an educator!

“Elaine also helped develop and maintain the Patient and Family Advisory Council, eventually transitioning to the Patient Voice Program. She served on the Professional Development Council for many years and was integral in developing a variety of professional development programs such as the PACER program, staff awards and recognition, preceptor training, and the mentor program.

“Elaine McCord not only ensures that our patients benefit from the most current, evidence-based care, but she also embodies the heart of patient-centered care, demonstrating empathy and compassion that enhances the well-being of every patient and her colleagues. She teaches nurses how to understand patient needs, advocate effectively and empowers them to deliver individualized care with dignity and respect.

“Thank you, Elaine, for your leadership and unwavering dedication to education. You have influenced not just learners over your 41 years of nursing practice, but also the lives of countless patients, their families, colleagues and students. You made a difference!”

Do you know a nurse who is deserving of The DAISY Award? Nominations can be submitted by patients, family members, colleagues or anyone who experiences or observes extraordinary, compassionate care being provided by a nurse. To nominate a Methodist nurse for The DAISY Award, click here.