DAISY Award Recognizes Nurse Leader

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

November 16, 2023 – A registered nurse at Salinas Valley Health has received the prestigious DAISY Award for what one colleague describes as her quiet leadership. Rachel Wiley, RN joined Salinas Valley Health in June, 2018 and currently works in the Telemetry/1-Main unit of the Medical Center.

Patients who receive extraordinary care are often behind the DAISY Award nominations for nursing excellence however in this particular case, it was one of Rachel’s colleagues who wrote a detailed day-in-the-life-of style entry. The nomination articulated Rachel’s consistent dedication to patient care and extraordinary commitment to teamwork.

“Nurses like Rachel are an asset to any unit,” wrote Michael Jarschke, RN at Salinas Valley Health. “She is a quiet leader who most certainly leads by example. Rachel focuses on exceptional patient care and also makes sure the staff on duty feel supported. She is passionate about delivering the kind of care we are all proud of providing to our community.”

The nomination detailed an especially challenging day on the unit which included numerous patient priorities and medical procedures. Rachel proactively took on duties and roles and anticipated patient needs and how she could best support the entire team. It wasn’t any one life-saving or heroic action that earned Rachel the DAISY Award but rather a demonstration of her consistent commitment and dedication to do the right thing for the right reasons and in doing so, elevating patient care.

“I couldn’t do what I do without the support and teamwork that takes place at Salinas Valley Health,” says Rachael Wiley, RN. “It’s been a rough couple of years for nurses and we need to be there for each other to continue being passionate and loving what we do. I’m grateful for all my co-workers and truly appreciate the nomination and recognition.”

Rachel expressed added appreciation to Michael for taking time to write and submit the nomination and to her co-workers who came in on their day-off to attend the DAISY Award announcement and celebration.

Other DAISY Award nominations this month include Yesenia Contreras, Staff Nurse II, Heart Center; Candice Karrle, Staff Nurse II, Telemetry/5-Tower; Krystal Cortez, Staff Nurse III, Patient Care Resources; Erica Gonzalez, Staff Nurse II, Observation Care Unit; Liliana Gomez, Staff Nurse II, Labor and Delivery and Margarita Valdez, Staff Nurse III, NICU.

Every month, Salinas Valley Memorial recognizes two extraordinary employees, one with a DAISY Award (for nurses) and another with a STAR Award (for all staff). STAR stands for Salinas Valley Health core values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability and Respect. Nominations can be submitted by patients, visitors and staff. Nomination forms and drop boxes are located throughout the hospital and online. To learn more about the awards visit SalinasValleyHealth.com/nomination.