Nurse Who Cares for the Caregivers Receives DAISY Award

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

November 14, 2024 – Traditionally, people think of nurses as clinical professionals caring for patients however there is a special group of people at Salinas Valley Health who prioritize the physical health and wellness of their colleagues. Maureen Felice, BSN, RN, COHN is one of those dedicated individuals in the organization’s Employee Health Services Department and the latest recipient of the prestigious DAISY Award.

Maureen joined Salinas Valley Health in 2008 and has been a valued member of the team for 16 years. In that time she has supported thousands of her colleagues with their annual health and vaccination needs and is often one of the first people new hires encounter before launching their professional careers at the organization. That role was specifically highlighted in Maureen’s DAISY Award nomination.

“I have been through several hospitals’ Employee Health departments, and nobody has treated me with such kindness as Maureen,” wrote fellow registered nurse Ashley Sheets, RN. “Not only did she take the time to explain everything we had to do, she made it pleasant. She is the perfect nurse to have as the first encounter with our healthcare system.”

Ashley’s words were echoed by others who gathered to celebrate the surprise DAISY Award announcement in Employee Health. Everyone spoke to Maureen’s approach—calm, kind, and caring—whether she’s guiding a new hire through their onboarding or offering ongoing support to staff members.

“Maureen is one of those dedicated team members who is more than the sum of her skills,” says Jill Peralta-Cuellar, BSN, RN, PHN, COEE, Employee Health Services Director. “Not only does she bring deep clinical knowledge to her position, but Maureen is also passionate about her role in supporting our staff’s health needs. We appreciate her experience, gentle caring, and enthusiasm. Maureen is always quick to praise everyone around her, which makes it even more special to see her receive this prestigious recognition.”

True to her nature, Maureen was humble and grateful in receiving the Award. “This recognition is such an honor,” says DAISY Award recipient Maureen Felice, BSN, RN, COHN . “While many of our staff spend their shifts caring for our patients, I find it very gratifying to use my clinical skills to support the health and wellness of our internal team. After 16 years, I’ve had a chance to interact with thousands of dedicated caregivers, and I love that our Employee Health Services team supports our organization’s mission of providing quality care to everyone in our community.”

Salinas Valley Health would also like to honor and recognize the other DAISY Award nominees: Aracely Martinez, BSN, RN, Radiology; Brian Ambrosini, RN, Telemetry / 1-Main; Emily Biagini-Lee, BSN, RN, Emergency Department; Heidi Phillips, RN, CAPA, Surgery; Irma Rubio, RN, Med Surg; Isaac Suarez, RN, Emergency Department; and Vanessa Ortiz, RN, OCU.

The DAISY Award comes with a certificate and a beautiful hand-carved Healer's Touch sculpture, crafted from serpentine mineral rock in Zimbabwe. The sale of these sculptures helps support local communities in Zimbabwe, providing both a beautiful symbol of nursing excellence and meaningful opportunities to support those in need.