Patient Experience Celebrated with DAISY Award

July 24, 2025 - Before embarking on their first clinical procedure for the day, the Salinas Valley Health operating room team gathered to honor one of their own with the prestigious DAISY Award for nursing excellence. The celebration recognizes Tyler Hays, RN, Staff Nurse II and was the result of a patient letter about the care he provided in the surgery unit. The patient noted that her experience went beyond the customary high standard of quality care because Hays interacted with her in a way that provided the extra dose of emotional reassurance she needed on that occasion. 

“I recently had outpatient hip replacement surgery at Salinas Valley Health,” the patient wrote. “Tyler explained that he would be my surgical nurse and walked me through the process. He was professional, yet funny and compassionate. As he pushed me to the surgical suite, we prayed together and he calmed any last-minute anxiety I was feeling. His friendliness and competent nature were very comforting. He said, ‘Oh we’re so lucky—we have the very best crew for you here today!’ I know it was just to reassure me, but it worked. I felt safe and cared for.”

The grateful patient’s heartfelt and detailed letter praised characteristics echoed by co-workers who note that Hays balances technical skill with kindness and humor. Hays originally joined Salinas Valley Health in 2004 and recently celebrated his 11-year anniversary since returning to the organization in December 2014.

“It’s a true pleasure receiving glowing letters like this one about the care we provide,” said Carla Spencer, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Salinas Valley Health Chief Nursing Officer. “Tyler is one of our many extraordinary nurses who makes patients feel seen, valued and supported during their stay. That combination of personal warmth and clinical knowledge is appreciated by patients and colleagues alike.”

The patient ended their letter by expressing how people are sometimes quick to complain and less vocal about conveying appreciation. She suspects that all of Tyler’s patients get the same treatment she received and that in itself inspired her to take the time to make sure his efforts were recognized.

When recognized at the July Board of Directors meeting, Tyler said, “It is an honor and privilege to work at an organization that demonstrates such a commitment to the patient experience. It’s not a place where you come to just do a job. It’s a place where we all work to make a difference. It feels good to be part of that mission and vision.”

Also nominated for this month’s DAISY Award were Ann Briley, BSN, RNC-MNN in Mother/Baby; Cynthia Lopez, BSN, RN, CCRN in ICU/CCU; Elisha Ramos, RN in Diagnostic Imaging; Feliciana Orozco, BSN, RN in Med Surg; Jannica Sebastian, MSN, RN, PCCN in Observation Care Unit; Jean Marll, BSN, RN, CCRN in ICU/CCU; Lori Woodfin, CCRN, CFRN, CVRN in Cardiology; Luzvinminda Ramos, BSN, RN, CCRN in ICU/CCU; Magaly Santa Cruz Mancha, RN, BSN, CMSRN in Oncology; Maryanne Conklin, RN, PCCN in Telemetry 1-Main; Meghan Canchola, BSN, RN, VA-BC in Cardiology; Normita Batalla, RN in ONS; and Victoria Beasley, MSN, RN, CEN in the Emergency Department.

Each month, Salinas Valley Health recognizes an outstanding nurse with the DAISY Award and a non-nursing team member with the STAR Award. The DAISY Award is part of an international program that celebrates nurses for delivering extraordinary care with skill and compassion. The STAR Award highlights team members across all departments who exemplify the organization’s core values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability, and Respect. Nominations are submitted by patients, visitors, and staff.

To learn more about the awards or to nominate a team member, visit SalinasValleyHealth.com/nomination.

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843