NICU team honored with DAISY Team Award

Annual recognition is given to teams that go above and beyond to meet patient, family needs

Orange, Calif. — The UCI Health Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nursing team earned the Team DAISY Award. The unit was nominated by a new mother whose son was born prematurely.

“Seeing him so small and fragile was extremely overwhelming, but the nurses took their time to explain everything to me. ‘Just buckle up for this roller coaster,’ they gently warned me. ‘These little fighters are stronger than you think.’ I learned to trust in their words and in the process.”

During the four-month stay, the patient was moved by the teamwork, dedication and commitment of the NICU co-workers.

“Over the course of the NICU stay, I learned that I never felt alone here. The nurses, doctors, and other staff members always communicated with us. They encouraged a hands-on approach with my baby but allowed me to go at my own pace and comfort level.”

In January, the unit received the prestigious gold level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). It’s the first NICU in Orange County and the second in California to receive the organization’s top recognition.

DAISY Awards

UCI Health — Placentia Linda emergency room nurse Cynthia Bear was nominated for the DAISY by a leader who witnessed her rapid decision-making and expertise during a recent emergency delivery.

“Your colleagues witnessed not just your clinical competence, but also your compassion in action — the gentle encouragement you offered, the way you anticipated needs and the confidence you projected reassured everyone in the room,” says the letter.

“These qualities are the hallmark of a nurse who is not only skilled but deeply committed to the calling of care.”

Janet Hewson.

UCI Heath — Fountain Valley nursing director Janet Hewson was nominated for her extraordinary nurse leadership.

“She reminds us that great nursing leadership is not about authority — it is about influence. It is about lifting others up, setting the standard and never asking a team to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.”

Cheryl Shaylor.

Hewson nominated her fellow Fountain Valley nurse Cheryl Shaylor for her volunteer work that impacts communities around the world.

“She travels across the globe on medical missions, going to economically developing nations to provide care to people who would not normally receive any help. Some of the places she has served are Uganda, Ethiopia and the Dominican Republic. She also volunteers as a team nurse for Honor Flight, taking care of veterans who have served this great nation.”

Hannah Romey.

Hannah Romey, a nurse in the UCI Health — Orange surgical intensive care unit (SICU), was nominated for the DAISY Award by the daughter of a patient who had been transferred to the unit.

“Hannah was the absolute perfect nurse for us to transition into what care at the SICU would look and feel like. Hannah listened and validated the family, and she took on my father’s care as if he were a family member of her own.”

Hannah Andres.

Orange SICU nurse Hannah Andres was nominated by the son of a patient who appreciated how she treated his father with humanity and compassion.

“She spoke to him like he was a person, not just a patient. She treated his dignity as if it were as important as his vitals.”

Hailey Ki.

Hailey Ki, a neurosciences intensive care unit nurse in Orange, was nominated by a patient’s grateful daughter.

“Her bedside manner is beyond what I ever could have expected. She is truly an angel sent from heaven. We went from crying to laughing in a matter of minutes during one of the scariest times of our lives.”

Sunflower Award

Anh Tran.

UCI Health — Orange respiratory therapist Anh Tran, was nominated for the Sunflower Award by the parent of a hospitalized patient. The award honors non-nursing co-workers who deliver great patient care.

“Anh always greets us and provides encouragement to our daughter in such a positive, caring manner.”

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 ›

About the DAISY and Sunflower awards

The individual DAISY Award recognizes a nurse for being an outstanding role model. To be nominated for this award, they must consistently demonstrate a caring attitude focusing on meeting the needs of patients and families, listen with their heart, significantly makes a difference in the life of a patient, shows good assessment and critical thinking skills and brings enthusiasm and energy to their daily work. The DAISY Award committee selects one nominated nurse each month who exemplifies what it means to truly be an outstanding caregiver.

The Sunflower Award recognizes a deserving ancillary staff member (nursing assistant, therapists, technicians, etc.) who demonstrates exceptional teamwork that positively impacts the patient.