ALAMOSA – San Luis Valley Health has another DAISY winner – Ellie Garcia.

Garcia was surprised to be chosen as a DAISY recipient at SLV Health. When the shock wore off a bit, she was all smiles. When she signed the traveling DAISY banner, she commented, "I'm going to sign my name right by Taylor's because she has been my mentor."

DAISY awards are given for nursing excellence and can be submitted by co-workers, patients, and family members.

This family member wrote this about Garcia, "My dad came into the Emergency Department in Alamosa with sepsis. The doctor/PA was very pessimistic. However, Ellie was a ray of sunshine. She explained everything she was doing, taught me how to read the screens, and helped my dad feel comfortable with everything that was going on. While we are still not out of the woods on his treatment, we are in a much better place than we might have been. I think Ellie was a big part of that. Her positive outlook and true care for my dad was so apparent and we are truly grateful for her."

Former DAISY recipient, Kat Cummins, BSN, RN, read about the award and posed for a photo with the traveling banner. Garcia is the second nurse in the SLVH RMC ED to receive this distinguished recognition.

SLVH Chief Nursing Officer, Roberta Bean, RN, read about the history and origin of the award. She also read the nomination form to Garcia. At the reception, Garcia met many of the nursing leaders and senior team members at SLVH. She was also surprised when her husband showed up to support her. The traditional cinnamon rolls were served and then Garcia jumped up high to place her name on the wall art for DAISY winners in the RMC lobby.

To nominate a nurse at SLVH for the DAISY award, visit online www.sanluisvalleyhealth.org/about-us/daisy-nursing-excellence/.