STAR Award Recipient Exemplifies Respect, Compassion and Skill

August 27, 2025 – The latest STAR Award recipient at Salinas Valley Health epitomizes how advanced education in tandem with compassionate people skills make a difference in the lives of patients  receiving care at the Medical Center.  The nomination for Emily Saldaña, MSW included several specific examples of Saldaña’s advocacy for patients overcoming challenges.

“Emily is a shining example of our organizations core values of support, teamwork, accountability and respect which are at the heart of our STAR Award,” said Chief Nursing Officer Carla Spencer, MSN, RN, NEA-BC. “As a patient experience coordinator Emily interacts with patients and families in unique and often difficult circumstances. Her dedication is evident in the fact that she recently pursued advanced education and earned her Master of Social Work.” 

The surprise STAR Award ceremony highlighted Saldaña’s encounters with a variety of patients and families and their diverse needs. In one instance, she worked tirelessly with a forensic patient who was gravely ill and scheduled to be paroled while hospitalized. She coordinated with correctional staff, secured documentation, and supported the family through an uncertain time.

In another case, Saldaña provided comfort and clarity to a large family struggling to accept a loved one’s transition to comfort care. She stood alongside the ICU team, facilitating communication, and ensuring the family felt supported throughout the process.

Also cited was the trust she built with an unhoused patient who initially reacted with hostility, showing patience and empathy that transformed the relationship. Through daily visits, thoughtful gestures, and genuine care, Saldaña helped the patient feel valued and supported, even during a prolonged hospital stay.

“Sometimes the job can be very challenging,” said Emily Saldaña, MSW, patient experience coordinator and STAR Award recipient. “I wouldn’t trade what I do for anything though. I love working at Salinas Valley Health, meeting patient needs, collaborating with other departments and helping to support staff along the way.”

Saldaña joined the Salinas Valley Health patient experience team in April 2021.

Other STAR Award nominees this period are Yesenia Leon, Interpreter, Interpreter Services; Leonisa Ocapan, Nurse Aide, 5M Observation Care Unit;  Agnish "Julie" Prasad, Pharmacy Tech II, Pharmacy; Reuben Tayan, Environmental Services Tech, Environmental Services; and Emma Vega Vasquez, Environmental Services Aide, Environmental Services.

Each month, Salinas Valley Health recognizes an outstanding nurse with a DAISY Award (for nurses) and a STAR Award (for all staff). The DAISY Award is an international program that honors nurses for their extraordinary compassion, outstanding clinical skills, and personalized care, established by the DAISY Foundation. The STAR Award is a recognition program created by Salinas Valley Health incorporating the organization’s core values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability, and Respect to highlight staff serving our patients, community, and each other with extraordinary results. Nominations are submitted by patients, visitors, and staff. To learn more about the awards, visit SalinasValleyHealth.com/nomination.

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843