Congratulations to Our May Daisy Award Recipients

Congratulations to Our May Daisy Award Recipients

The Daisy Award, established by the Daisy Foundation, was created in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who tragically passed away from complications of an autoimmune disease. During his hospitalization, Patrick's family was deeply touched by the extraordinary care and kindness shown by his nurses. To honor his memory and express their gratitude, they established the Daisy Award to celebrate the remarkable work of nurses around the world. The Daisy Award has become a symbol of excellence in nursing, highlighting the selfless dedication and exceptional skills demonstrated by nurses in providing care to their patients.

DAISY Recipient: Arturo Marquez
Department: ED
Nominated by: Casey Insixiengmay

I would like to preface this nomination by stating that everyone in the ED department and Security department did an exceptional job caring for this patient. I hope that by nominating Arturo for the Daisy Award, it does not diminish anyone’s contribution or role in caring for this patient but accentuate their impact by putting Arturo at the forefront.​

In December of 2023, an autistic patient in his mid-twenties presented and was aggressive and non-cooperative. He was frightened, non-verbal and was being placed in a new environment with a bunch of new faces giving him directions. These unfamiliar faces were expecting him to comply to their directions when he barely understood what they were saying. So, he acted out. He expressed his anger and frustration in the only way he knew how - he bit, hit, kicked, and scratched people. This patient remained in the ED until late April and during his near-four-month stint he built a trust with many of our associates, ED, and security, but with Arturo in particular. From a bystander’s perspective, Arturo treated this young man like he was his little brother. He was extremely patient with him but stern when it was warranted. He bought him McDonalds, out of his own pocket, because Arturo knew that was his favorite food. Arturo assisted with his showers, administered medications, convinced him to be brave when lab drew his blood or when we had to swab him for COVID. We all know how horrible those COVID-19 swabs are. But this young man, with the mind of a toddler, complied because Arturo requested it and was there to comfort him during it. It was not one particular moment or event, but several interactions between the two, that had the entire department running to Arturo when we needed something pertaining to this patient. Even when Arturo was in a completely different assignment or section, he would wander over to help.​

When this patient was finally accepted to his new home, Arturo rode in the ambulance one-hour-one-way with him because we knew he would not go into the ambulance without his big bro. Arturo, knowing this patient as well as he did, packed snacks – sandwiches, sodas, puddings – for the ride in case he needed to deescalate enroute. Arturo was there at his new residence to usher him in as he then ran around the house with an enormous smile. He went from one room to another to inspect his new living arrangements while clapping his approval. In the end, I do not know if this autistic patient will remember his four-month stay at AHRO ED or Arturo. But I would like to think that this patient will forever be engraved in Arturo’s memory. His compassion, patience, and connection that he developed for and with this patient is why I honestly believe he not only deserves this Daisy award, but he exemplifies everything this award stands for.​

DAISY Recipient: Robin McCall
Department: ICU
Nominated by: Patient

From Patient's Family: I want to give a HUGE shoutout to Robin for the extraordinary care she provided my dad in the ICU. She truly deserves the Daisy Award! Really, our entire family expresses their deepest gratitude for the exceptional care and her remarkable compassion that was shown during Dad’s stay in the ICU. Robin’s dedication and attentiveness were truly remarkable, especially when it came to helping Dad through his ICU delirium. Her patience and understanding made a world of difference in his recovery. Robin took the time to explain things to us and guided the entire family on how to support Dad when he needed us most. When Dad was terrified, Robin took quick action and provided a calming presence during those difficult moments. Her extra care and kindness meant the world to our family. Thank you for going above and beyond to ensure Dad had the best care and for being an incredible nurse! We are forever grateful!

DAISY Nurse Leader Recipient: Caezar Jara
Department: Quality/Emergency Department
Nominated by: Angie Moran

From Co-Worker: I would like to nominate Caezar, for the Leader Daisy Award. ​As I watched and monitored the performance by all of our leaders during our recent survey, I couldn’t help but notice the one person’s dedication and passion throughout the day.​

Caezar is the HEART of our Stroke Program! It was clear in his presentation of data, his knowledge of our program, his passion for improving stroke outcomes, and his confidence in the work being done contributed to a ZERO finding survey.​

It’s not the ZERO finding that made such an impact on me that day. It was the leadership that Caezar shows every day (and night because we all doubt, he sleeps). In the closing statements of the morning presentation, something Caezar said resonated with me very deeply. While he exemplifies all our Be Statements, he pointed out how being a Mission Owner motivates him and is the reason we are here. Caezar is so humble and truly looks for opportunities to improve our Stroke Program – NOT for the awards or accolades, but because he is a MISSION OWNER and wants to positively impact our community!​