Salinas Valley Health Nurse Receives DAISY Award

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

David Martin, RN, is the new 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. David is a nurse in the Telemetry unit. He joined Salinas Valley Health in 2022 as a Staff Nurse I and achieved his Staff Nurse II designation in November 2023. This is his third nomination in 2024 and first DAISY Award. David received the DAISY Award during a surprise celebration Wednesday afternoon.

The nomination was submitted by a very grateful patient’s daughter who wanted to highlight the extraordinary and compassionate care her father and family received. She shared, “he listened, he was patient, he constantly checked on my dad and family while he was there. David provided us with comforting words and positive energy, even though I knew my dad was critically ill. David worked hard to make sure my dad was treated with the best care and was gentle with him always. Thank you, David for holding our hands, and for the hugs. You are amazing. Never change.”

“This is an honor! Thank you to all the nurses and doctors who have supported me. My grandmother was a heart patient here at Salinas Valley Health and she would always talk about how wonderful the nurses were,” said David Martin, RN. “Those nurses inspired me to become a nurse. I love what I do. My colleagues and I make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. We make magic here. We’re an amazing team!”

“David’s dedication and compassion for the nursing profession are abundantly evident in every interaction he has with a patient or their family. Even though he has been a nurse for a short time, he has significantly impacted the lives of those he cares for,” said Lacey Cone, MSN, RN, Director of Critical Care Services. “His exceptional work and supportive demeanor truly set him apart. David’s contributions to the organization and the community are invaluable, and we are so fortunate to have him.”

The following individuals were also nominated for the July DAISY Award: Armin De Galicia, BSN, RN; Cassandra Ruano, BSN, RN, ONCC; Chanthary Pich, BSN, RN, ONCC; Max Whittaker, BSN, RN; Iren Nicholas, LVN; Ludy Lim, RN; Nicole Craft, BSN, RN; Patricia Bracisco, RN; Sarah "Scout"Leach, BSN, RN; Shannon Valdez, RN; and Voltaire "Joseph" Guira, RN. 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.