Super STAR in Environmental Services

The quality and safety awards earned by Salinas Valley Health are the result of coordinated teamwork across the Medical Center, with every department playing a critical role in patient care. That commitment to excellence is reflected in the organization’s most recent STAR Award, presented to Nakeshlon Wills, an Environmental Services team member, for his contributions to maintaining safe, clean, and ready-to-use patient care environments.

Wills has been with Salinas Valley Health for approximately three years and was nominated by two clinical assistants in Surgery who cited his consistent kindness, professionalism, and strong work ethic. His attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond are especially valued in the operating room, where maintaining a sterile environment is essential to patient safety and high-quality surgical care.

“He is very helpful and kind, respectful, and pleasant to work with,” wrote Stephanie Garcia, clinical assistant in Surgery. “He goes above and beyond to keep the department clean. Each room is very clean, and he cleans thoroughly and quickly. He is a very hard worker.”

Maria Bradford, also a clinical assistant in Surgery, highlighted Wills’ impact on Surgical Services operations, noting, “He goes above and beyond to help the flow in OPS. He is quick to respond when we ask for help. Rooms are cleaned quickly and thoroughly, garbage cans are emptied, and he always comes in with a smile.”

Wills said the recognition underscores the importance of environmental services in supporting patient care, adding, “The work is good knowing that you have an impact on the environment around you. It was a good feeling being recognized for the work that you do.”

Other STAR Award nominees for the period include Tracy Burchell, Unit Assistant I, ICU/CCU; Sara Larson, Technology Coordinator, Pharmacy; Tiffanee Onofre, Nurse Aide, Oncology; and Elizabeth Scott, Surgery Clerk, Surgery.

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