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UC Irvine Health honors exceptional nurses and caregivers

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By UC Irvine Health

UCI Health nursing team members and other caregivers were recently honored for going above and beyond for their patients and colleagues.

The DAISY award honors nurses who demonstrate excellence in patient care while displaying the values of compassion, courage and integrity.

Rosey Vu

Rosey Vu

UC Irvine Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center nurse Rosey Vu with her DAISY award.

Rosey Vu, a nurse at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, received the DAISY Award after being nominated by a patient who has been battling leukemia for several years.

“She always greets me with a smile. She stays and listens to me as an individual, not as a patient,” the letter reads. “She is always a strong advocate for me with the doctors and other staff.”

James Needham

James Needham

UCI Health ― Los Alamitos nurse James Needham with his DAISY award.

James Needham, a nurse at UCI Health ― Los Alamitos, was honored with a DAISY Award after being nominated by a patient whose family is grateful for his support and empathy during a difficult situation with a loved one. 

“James always made sure to go out of his way to update and keep our family in the loop of everything. That big gesture can really make an impact on a very scared family,” the nominator wrote.

Rafael Mendoza

Rafael Mendoza

Sunflower Award recipient Rafael Mendoza, a hospital assistant in orthopedics.

Rafael Mendoza, a hospital assistant in orthopedics, was honored with the Sunflower Award, which recognizes non-nursing staff for their service. Mendoza’s nomination highlighted his warm, encouraging manner and willingness to go the extra mile for his colleagues and patients.

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. 

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