Dedicated Nurse Receives DAISY Award

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

The patient centered care delivered at Salinas Valley Health goes beyond bedside care for the individual patient - the skill and compassion extends to a patient’s family members and loved ones. The heartfelt appreciation expressed by the family of one such patient led to Gabriela Serrano, CCRN, RN in ICU/CCU receiving the latest DAISY Award for nursing excellence.

Gabby, as she is known to her colleagues, is a Staff Nurse II who joined Salinas Valley Health in February 2019 and accomplished her Critical Care RN certification ten months later. Due to the nature of their illness, patients in the intensive care/critical care units can be limited in their ability to communicate and family members can become an especially important voice in the care delivery equation. In this case, when the patient did not survive their medical challenges, the family wanted to express their gratitude to one nurse in particular for her commitment to the patient and family needs during a difficult time.

Regarding Gabby’s care, one family member submitted a DAISY award nomination which read: “During my Grandfather’s care, Gabby was an exceptional nurse. Her bedside manner was as she was caring for her own relative. She explained every detail. During his final moments, she made him so comfortable. Gabby you will never understand your impact.”

Another wrote: “She was an excellent nurse. She was very compassionate. Her nursing skills are amazing.”

Co-workers who gathered for the surprise DAISY Award announcement echoed the praise and warm congratulations to Gabby on receiving the honor. Gabby in turn shared credit with all of her colleagues on the unit, stressing the team effort in delivering outstanding patient care.

“I remember the family well,” said Gabby Serrano, CCRN, RN at Salinas Valley Health. “The family was very kind. The fact that they took time to express their appreciation for the care I provided during a time of loss means a lot to me. Everyone on our unit is amazing and we work well together as a team.”

Four other outstanding nurses were also nominated for the DAISY Award, David Martin, Staff Nurse II in Telemetry / 4-T; Whitney Port Gaarn, Staff Nurse II in Labor & Delivery; Miriam Rivera, Staff Nurse II in Telemetry / 4-T; and Sheryll Randazzo, Staff Nurse II in Telemetry / 4-

Every month, Salinas Valley Health recognizes an outstanding employee with a DAISY Award (for nurses) and a STAR Award (for all staff). Nominations can be submitted by patients, visitors and staff. Nomination forms and drop boxes are located throughout the hospital. To learn more about the awards visit SalinasValleyHealth.com/nomination.