Cardiac Nurse Honored with DAISY Award

Salinas, CA - Salinas Valley Health is recognizing a cardiology nurse known for sweet demeanor and fierce resolve to support patients in ways that go beyond ordinary care.

Lori Woodfin, CCRN, CFRN, CVRN, Staff Nurse II in Cardiology, has received the DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses after being nominated for her response to a patient in need. The patient was not under Woodfin’s care however she quickly stepped in when a patient faced a distressful situation in an elevator.

“Lori went above and beyond when a patient had an embarrassing accident in the elevator,” said cardiac sonographer Colin McCormick, who witnessed the encounter. “The patient wasn’t even hers, but Lori took charge in finding a Hoyer lift, getting the immobile patient in a bed and getting the patient cleaned up. You rock, Lori!”

Woodfin has been part of Salinas Valley Health for more than 13 years, with experience in the PACU, Cath Lab and now Cardiology. Colleagues describe her as both compassionate and determined, with a consistent focus on easing patient anxiety and delivering a supportive care experience.

“Lori Woodfin is a strong patient advocate who consistently puts her patients first,” said Sherri Arias, procedural nurse manager. “Her commitment is reflected in the consistently positive feedback we receive about her excellent bedside manner and her ability to connect with and support those in her care.”

Accepting the award, Woodfin emphasized the importance of creating a calm and seamless experience for patients. “My goal is to take the stress out of the stress testing and make their appointment, procedure, whatever is happening go seamless for them,” she said. “Sometimes it really is the little things that make a big difference and it’s a privilege to be a part of this amazing team.”

In addition to Woodfin, the following nurses were nominated for the DAISY Award: Arthur Avila, BSN, RN, Staff Nurse II, Telemetry/5-T; Laurel Black, MSN, RN, CCRN, Staff Nurse III, ICU; Ashley Coronado, BSN, RN, Staff Nurse II, Emergency Department; Javier Cortez, BSN, RN, Staff Nurse II, Med Surg; Elizabeth “Liz” Dayton, RN, Staff Nurse II, Patient Care Resources; Jacquelyn Espinoza, BSN, RN, Staff Nurse II, Labor & Delivery; Leslie Marie Failano, BSN, RN, Staff Nurse II, Observation Care Unit; Lorynn Monroe-Rainieri, RN, Wound Care Specialist, Inpatient Wound Care; Feliciana Orozco, BSN, RN, Staff Nurse II, Med Surg; Vanessa Ortiz, BSN, RN, Staff Nurse III, Observation Care Unit; Mylene Peralta, BSN, RN, Staff Nurse II, Telemetry/5-T; Chanthary Pich, BSN, RN, OCCN, Staff Nurse III, Oncology; Enrique Ramirez, BSN, RN, Staff Nurse II, Med Surg; Maria Ramirez, RN, Staff Nurse II, Telemetry/5-T; David Slater, RN, Staff Nurse II, Emergency Department; Alejandra Uribe, RN, Staff Nurse I, Telemetry/1-Main; and Merina Vetterli, RN, Staff Nurse I, Patient Care Resources.

The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. Established by the DAISY Foundation, the award recognizes nurses who go above and beyond in delivering clinical excellence and personalized care to patients and their families. Salinas Valley Health also established a STAR Award to recognize all staff demonstrating the organization’s core values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability and Respect. Both awards are presented monthly and nominations come from patients, families and colleagues.

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843