Abler named recipient of SDSU’s first DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students

Story by Brielle Smetana

Addison Abler, a senior nursing student at South Dakota University, has been honored with the first annual DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students.

The DAISY Award for students was created in the 2025-26 school year, and it acknowledges second- to fifth-semester nursing students who demonstrate commitment to care, hard work and compassion.

Abler grew up in Morris, Minnesota. She started her education at SDSU in 2023, and her decision to go to State couldn’t have been easier.

“I decided to go to SDSU because they take nursing students every semester, and everyone was so nice when I visited,” Abler said.

Abler is currently a fifth-semester nursing student and working to get her bachelor's degree. But her path to nursing wasn't always straight forward.

"I actually grew up in a family that is very healthcare related, but since I saw all the negatives with it, I was like, I do not want to do that. But then I realized, I really, really, really love caring for people, and so I decided to do something healthcare related." Her mother is a nurse, and Abler decided to follow in her mom’s footsteps and become one, too.

Deciding to become a nurse was half the battle, as Abler was then exploring what she could specialize in. That decision came easy, she said.

“Then, when I was in my first semester of school, I took a rural healthcare class. And I realized I want to do rural healthcare. I want to be part of the solution. It just makes me really frustrated that people have to travel far distances to get healthcare. I realized this is exactly what I want to do.”

Much of Abler’s experience in the world of nursing comes directly from the classroom. She has participated in several clinical sessions and in-class simulations. Her professors compliment her commitment to learning. 

“Addison demonstrates an enthusiasm for learning and growing in the field of nursing. Her approach to her education with curiosity and confidence is not often seen. She has a spirit that is not afraid to ask questions and dig deeper,” assistant professor Theresa Garren-Grubbs said.

In addition to in-classroom experience, Abler interned at Aberdeen’s Avera Health Center and worked as a certified nursing assistant in a nursing home.

Abler has a clear love and passion for healthcare, she said. “I love that I get to be with the patients a lot. I really like that you work as a team. Nursing is not a standalone thing. You talk with pharmacists, you talk with aids, you talk with the doctor. It’s not just you working alone. Even if you feel overwhelmed, there’s someone that has your back.”

Abler is truly committed to her team. They help her, and she helps them.

Garren-Grubbs said, “Addison is always happy to help wherever she is needed, whether this is helping a nurse’s aide with a bed bath, helping another student take their patient on a walk, or working with a nurse on the unit to complete a task. Addison clearly communicates and, when collaborating, genuinely works for the good of the team.”

Her compassion and dedication make her the ideal recipient of the DAISY student award. “I just go and I try my best,” Abler said. “This award means my hard work is paying off, I’m not going unseen.”

In May 2026, Abler was presented with the award in a lecture hall. She actually received it during one of her classes before the final exam. “My professor said, ‘Addison, I've never seen a person smile while taking their final before.’”

Abler is set to graduate this December, and she offered advice for her peers in nursing.

“Just try your best. Nursing school is really hard. You’ll get through this; there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And time goes by really fast.”

After she graduates, Abler will search for a job in rural healthcare or medical surgery.

Garren-Grubbs is confident in Abler’s future. “Wherever she lands, she will be a positive influence on staff, and her patients will be fortunate to have such a compassionate nurse.”