Outstanding nurses recognized with DAISY Awards
DAISY Awards honor nursing excellence at the academic health system
Orange, Calif. — UCI Health recently recognized several nurses who have consistently displayed the values of compassion, courage and integrity in both patient care and co-worker interactions. The DAISY Awards honor nurses who represent the best of their profession.
Cynthia Velasco, a nurse at UCI Health — Los Alamitos, was nominated by a co-worker who wanted to recognize how she goes out of her way to support the team and the well-being of her patients.
“It is not every day that you come across someone who blends knowledge with empathy, intelligence with kindness, and professional skill with genuine human connection. Cynthia’s ability to strike that balance is a testament to her commitment to not only her role as a nurse but also to the relationships she builds with her patients and colleagues,” said her co-worker in the nomination letter.
UCI Medical Center nurse Jacqui Ogilvie with her DAISY Award.
Jacqui Ogilvie, a nurse at UCI Medical Center, the flagship location of UCI Health in Orange, was nominated by the daughter of a woman who had been recently diagnosed with cancer.
“Jacqui was compassionate.She hugged me and allowed us to step outside and take a breather. She was loving and caring toward my mom before we received news, and this made an even greater impact,” wrote the daughter in her letter.
“We need nurses like Jacqui who offer both emotional support and practical help. She has an ability to connect on a human level, especially when receiving news like this.”
Orthopedics hospital assistant Rafael Mendoza with his Sunflower Award.
Sunflower award honoree
Rafael Aguilar Mendoza, a hospital assistant in orthopedics at UCI Medical Center, was honored with the Sunflower Award, which recognizes non-nursing staff for their service. Mendoza’s nomination by a patient highlighted his caring nature toward everyone in his care.
“Plainly put, Rafael was a blessing.. His manner and his attitude reflected his care for his assigned patients, but I am certain extended far beyond this immediate scope.”
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 Award
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.