DAISY Awards celebrate nurses making positive impact on patients

Monthly program recognizes excellence throughout one of California’s largest academic health systems

Orange, Calif. — Several nurses at UCI Health were honored with DAISY Awards last month at ceremonies attended by department leaders and co-workers. The monthly ceremony celebrates the nurses who represent the best of their profession.

UCI Health — Orange

Pat Evangelista, a nurse at UCI Health — Orange, formerly UCI Medical Center, was nominated by a colleague who noticed the time he took to comfort an anxious patient during a difficult procedure.

“The impact of Pat’s care was immediate and profound. The patient couldn’t stop praising Pat, calling friends and family to share how Pat’s professionalism, compassion and skill made such a positive difference,” his colleague wrote.

“His ability to connect with patients on both a clinical and personal level sets a standard that inspires his colleagues, including myself.”

UCI Health ― Fountain Valley

Adrian Belonia, a telemetry nurse at UCI Health — Fountain Valley, was nominated by a patient who had been through a traumatic experience.

“I thank God for the perfect timing to have him as my nurse. I truly am grateful,” the patient wrote.

“I can live a normal life, do what I would like to do and grow to be the person I want to be —  all because of my hardworking nurse.”

UCI Health — Lakewood

Ericka Solomon, a medical surgical nurse at UCI Health — Lakewood, was nominated by a patient who had been hospitalized for nearly a year.

“Many nurses care about my condition, but never like nurse Ericka,” the patient wrote. “She was right on top of all my medications, which are many. She was always very friendly and treated me with a lot of respect.”

Critical care nurse Evangeline “Vangie” Ong was nominated by three separate families who were moved by her professionalism, knowledge and skill.

“[My husband] is very independent. He had never been so sick, so he was restless and very impatient. Vangie was so patient with him. She was always caring and talked to him.”

“Vangie demonstrated professionalism during the entire shift. My husband was very sick and required lots of care, but Vangie’s behavior never changed. She introduced herself on day one and explained every task.”

“We would like to extend our gratitude to Vangie for the loving care provided to [our family member]. She needed special care due to open heart surgery and Vangie was there to attend to her needs.”

Medical surgical nurse Lizzelle Leonida also received two nominations for her kindness..

“She is very caring and was consistently checking in on me. At 69 years of age, I have encountered many health professionals. Liz's kindness and eagerness to anticipate my needs left a long-lasting impression.”

“I had the honor of seeing how Liz treated my mom as if she was part of her family. We need more humans [like her] that lead with kindness and compassion.”

Melody Santos and her clinical nurse assistant were nominated by a grateful patient, who wrote, “They helped me to overcome troubled times. I recommend them as dedicated employees of this hospital.”

Nursing administrator Ron Santiago was nominated by a colleague who is deeply impressed with his leadership, compassion and commitment.

“He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that patients not only receive excellent medical attention but also feel heard, respected and cared for. His compassionate approach to patients and families makes him an invaluable asset to our team,” wrote his nominator. “We are fortunate to have him as a part of our nursing leadership, and I believe he is truly deserving of this recognition.”

The empathy displayed by nurse Weena De Leon moved three people to nominate her.

“Weena has done more than her job. She has done more than normal. She is very caring and understands. She makes me feel safe leaving my mom here at the hospital.”

“From the very first day of my mom's stay, Weena has shown her care, compassion and empathy. She is very respectful, considerate and dedicated to her work.”

“Weena has such a beautiful soul. She's very communicative with her patients. She's very nice and helpful with anything I ask her to do. Since my stay here, she's been the best nurse I've had.”

UCI Health — Los Alamitos

Max Martinez, an intensive care unit nurse at UCI Health — Los Alamitos, was nominated by the grateful family member of a patient.

“Max is incredible. He gives great attention to his patients, treats them with dignity and gives the families the utmost respect.”

Sunflower Award honoree

Ivette Flores, a obstetrics and gynecology medical assistant at UCI Health ― Orange, was honored with the Sunflower Award, which recognizes non-nursing staff for their service.

Her nomination came from an expectant mother who expressed gratitude for Flores’s support during her pregnancy.

“Ivette has gone above and beyond to ensure I feel supported and cared for,” the letter said. “She is always accessible through MyChart, promptly responding to all my messages and addressing any concerns I have. At every doctor’s appointment, Ivette has demonstrated kindness, patience and professionalism.”

How to nominate a team member

Anyone can nominate an exceptional nurse or patient care team member for a DAISY or Sunflower Award, including faculty, staff and patients. Simply fill out the appropriate nomination form below:

• DAISY Nurse Leader Award nomination form ›
• DAISY Team Award nomination form ›
• DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses nomination form ›
• Sunflower Ancillary Staff Award nomination form ›