Patricia Borchert not only pays close attention to her patients but also to her colleagues. Coworker Chelsea Peterson nominated Borchert for the DAISY Award, an international award created by the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Foundation to express gratitude to nurses and recognize them for the extraordinary, compassionate, skillful care they provide patients and families. The DAISY Award committee agreed that Borchert is extraordinary and recently selected her to receive this prestigious recognition.
“Patricia is not only an exceptional nurse, but she is also a mentor, a role model and the kind of caregiver who reminds us all why we chose this profession,” Peterson wrote in her nomination. “The skill and grace she demonstrates—especially in stressful situations—had a profound impact on my own nursing journey. She exemplifies everything the DAISY Award stands for, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.”
Borchert has been a nurse for 29 years and lives in Fort Collins with her husband, Andy. They have two adult children: Andrew and Agatha. Borchert grew up on Majuro, Marshall Islands, and chose to pursue nursing after watching her mother care for her great-grandfather.
“Her compassion and dedication inspired me to follow a similar path and devote my career to helping others, particularly the elderly,” Borchert says. “I’ve always valued the meaningful connections I build with the older adults and the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.”
Patricia and Andy Borchert
“As the night shift nurse, I provided care to residents while also supporting and guiding staff like Chelsea. During challenging moments, like when we responded to a resident’s fall, I was there to lead with calm and compassion, helping her gain confidence and learn how to care with empathy,” Borchert says. “Seeing Chelsea grow from that experience into the nurse she is today has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.”
“Patricia exemplifies Columbine’s values in every aspect of her work,” says Julie Sleath, administrator for Columbine West Health & Rehab. “She approaches resident care with genuine compassion, treating each individual with dignity, patience and respect. Beyond her exceptional nursing skills, Patricia is a pillar of support for her colleagues. She leads by example—offering guidance, encouragement and a calm presence even during the most challenging moments. Her dedication fosters teamwork, trust and a positive environment where both residents and staff feel valued and cared for.”
Borchert believes that nursing is more than a profession. To her, it’s a calling.
“If you’re considering this path, my advice is to come into it with an open heart and a strong sense of purpose,” she says. “Compassion, patience and resilience are just as important as clinical skills. Be ready to learn constantly, not just from textbooks but from your colleagues and your own experience. It’s not always easy—there are long hours, emotional moments and tough decisions—but the rewards are immeasurable. You’ll have the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives, often when they need it most. Stay curious, stay humble and never lose sight of why you chose this path.”
The staff and residents at Columbine West believe Borchert is an exceptionally deserving recipient of the DAISY Award.
“Every day, she demonstrates the heart and spirit of nursing that this award was created to honor,” Sleath says. “Her compassion for residents, her dedication to excellence and her unwavering professionalism set her apart as a true leader and caregiver within our Columbine West community. She is the person others turn to for guidance, reassurance and support. Whether she’s mentoring a new nurse, stepping in to help during a busy shift or offering an encouraging word, Patricia lifts the entire team through her example.”
Photos courtesy of Mantooth Co.
