A STAR Standout in Cardiac Wellness

Salinas, CA - Fernando Camarena was both surprised and honored when he was recognized this week with the STAR Award at Salinas Valley Health for the compassion, teamwork and dedication he brings to his work in the Cardiac Wellness Center. The STAR Award, recognizes staff who exemplify the organizations core values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability, and Respect.

The certified exercise physiologist has worked at Salinas Valley Health for two and a half years and was nominated by a colleague who praised his consistent kindness, generosity, and willingness to help both patients and coworkers. Bettina Collins highlighted Camarena’s role as one of the department’s fluent Spanish-speaking staff members and his commitment to supporting Spanish-speaking patients, even when they are not assigned to his care.

“He is always willing to help the Spanish-speaking patients even when they are not always his assigned patients,” Collins wrote. “His calm and reassuring presence continually puts them at ease, and his passion for helping the Spanish-speaking population is ever present in his actions and words. His desire to ensure Spanish-speaking patients receive kind, compassionate, and excellent care is evident daily.” Collins also noted that Camarena’s strong work ethic and teamwork make coming to work more enjoyable for his colleagues and that his willingness to help others without hesitation is exceptional.

Chief Operating Officer Clement Miller, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, read the nomination aloud during the presentation. Camarena expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “I have a great passion for what I do, especially helping patients. I try to treat everybody the same, have high energy, and help those in need, even when they don’t ask for it.” He added, “I am so happy about it because it was so unexpected. It makes me feel very grateful, and I truly enjoy what I do.”

Other STAR Award nominees for the period include Ebrahim Ali, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacy; Lisa Anaya, MA, Clinical Social Worker, Case Management; Vivian Artalejo, Unit Assistant II, Heart Center; Divina Cortez, Nurse Aide, Ortho Neuro Spine; Beatriz Gardea, Nurse Aide, Patient Care Resources; Delo Ginete, RCP, RRT, Respiratory Care Practitioner, Respiratory Care; Sophia Gonzales, Nurse Aide, Patient Care Resources; Rosalia Madrigal, Executive Assistant to the President/CEO, Administration; Carmen Rivera, CNA, Nurse Aide, Telemetry/1-Main; and Delia Rodriguez, Nurse Aide, Patient Care Resources.

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.

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Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843