Salinas Valley Health Nurse Receives DAISY Award

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
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Commitment, compassion, and excellent patient care are some of the reasons why Karen Mitchell, RN, is the April recipient of the DAISY Award at Salinas Valley Health. Salinas Valley Health participates in the national DAISY Award program, which celebrates compassionate and skillful nursing care. Karen is a registered nurse in the Wound Care Department. She was presented with the prestigious DAISY Award on Wednesday during a special ceremony.

“I am honored and thrilled to receive this award! I have been so blessed to have had a 25-year nursing career at Salinas Valley Health,” says Karen Mitchell, RN. “This medical center has been amazing to me. My colleagues are great! I will be retiring soon and will deeply miss my fellow nurses and patients.”

Karen joined Salinas Valley Health in 1998 as a Registered Nurse in the Med Surge Department and in 2009 transferred to the Wound Care Department. Recently, nine colleagues nominated Karen for the DAISY Award. In their nominations, they describe her as an exceptional nurse, role mode, a compassionate, kind hearted, hard-working and amazing teammate who consistently goes above and beyond for her patients.

“I am ever-impressed by the compassion and commitment Karen has for our patients and our community,” says Anthony Dueñas, BA, Outpatient Infusion and Wound Operations Manager. “Karen is held in high regard by all who are fortunate to work with her and she is absolutely deserving of the praise she receives. As a part of Salinas Valley Health for 25 years, she continues to bring her best each day and, in turn, helps us all to do the same. Thank you, Karen!”

Karen is very generous with her free time. She frequently volunteers at our Salinas Valley Health Farmers’ Market checking patients’ blood pressure. She also volunteers at our Summer Health Institute working with students who are interested in pursuing careers in healthcare. Karen also brings gently used shoes and clothes her kids and husband no longer wear to give to homeless patients or any patients in need. She has even shared her lunch with our homeless patients.

“Karen has been invaluable to the Wound Healing Center and Salinas Valley Health. She comes to work with a smile, laughter, and a strong sense of patient advocacy,” says Caryn Liebowitz, RN, Director of Outpatient Oncology and Wound Care Services. “She brings joy to all around her and her laughter is contagious. Karen has done many wonderful things for her patients over the years. One accomplishment of hers was to learn Spanish so she could speak to her Spanish speaking patients. Karen always makes sure her patients have everything they need, she is diligent about finding the care they need outside of the Wound Healing Center. Karen is truly an amazing nurse!”

Melissa Marquez, RN, in our Labor & Delivery Unit was also nominated for the April DAISY Award. Melissa was nominated by a patient’s mother who expressed she was incredibly attentive with her daughter’s needs.

Every month, Salinas Valley Health recognizes an outstanding employee with a DAISY Award (for nurses) or a STAR Award (for all staff). Nominations can be submitted by patients, visitors and staff. Nomination forms and drop boxes are located throughout the medical center. To learn more about the awards visit Nurse Recognition | Salinas Valley Health or STAR Award | Monterey County Health System (salinasvalleyhealth.com).