San Juan Regional Medical Center has partnered with the DAISY Foundation, an international recognition program, to honor the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day.
Sara Barry, RN
Sara Barry is a nurse on our Childbirth Unit. She was nominated by not one, but two new moms who immediately felt comforted by Sara’s presence during their deliveries. Both noted that Sara made their experiences less stressful by sharing her knowledge, providing support to them as well as their spouses, and offering reassurances and encouragement during times of uncertainty. One new mom said that she couldn’t have done it without Sara, writing that “Sarah truly embodies what it means to be a labor and delivery nurse — compassionate, strong, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to her patients. I will never forget her, or the support she gave me during the most intense and vulnerable moment of my life.”
Laurel Martin, RN
Laurel Martin is a nurse with the wound care team. She was nominated by a patient who had been injured in an accident and needed regular wound care. Laurel advocated for the patient to stay in the hospital instead of being moved to a nursing home, because the patient needed specialized wound care that they would not be able to receive at another facility. “Without Laurel, I would not be on the positive healing path I am currently on. I truly believe I could have lost my left foot had Laurel not been adamant about the care I needed,” the patient said in their nomination.
Jaecee Acosta, RN
Jaecee Acosta is a nurse on our Medical Unit who was nominated by two different people for being “nothing short of amazing.” In one case, Jaecee cared for a patient with Huntington’s disease, which affects a person's movements, thinking ability and mental health. The patient’s daughter was so impressed with the kindness and respect Jaecee showed, not only to the patient, but to the family.
“She made sure I was ok and helped me feel less alone during one of the hardest times of my life. I honestly don’t know how I would have gotten through it without her. Jaecee is the kind of nurse every patient and family hopes for. She is not just skilled and professional, but also genuinely compassionate,” the patient’s daughter said in the nomination.
In another case, Jaecee was thanked for the gentle care and grace she provided for a patient at the end of life.
“It means everything to me. To be recognized and show how much we truly care as a team is fantastic. It doesn’t matter what time of the day or what the situation is, everyone is hands on deck at all times,” Jaecee said.
Wendy Joe, RN
Wendy Joe is a nurse on our Nephrology Unit and a three-time DAISY® recipient. She was nominated by a patient’s family member after the patient had a lengthy and unexpected hospital stay. Wendy was the patient’s night nurse, always walking in happily with great energy and a sense of humor to make the patient laugh and smile, which then led to hugs after every shift.
“With every interaction, Wendy made us feel at home. She has a kind and sweet energy and the passion that she has for her job shows. We have stayed at many other healthcare facilities and were never treated this way. Thank you. We are forever grateful to have a positive experience,” the patient’s family member said in the nomination.
“This is my third award, and I wouldn’t have done it without our team. Our team is amazing. This means a lot,” Wendy said.
Kandi Costa, RN
Kandi Costa is a labor and delivery nurse in our Childbirth Center who provides exceptional care to new moms. She was nominated by a first-time mom who said Kandi helped her from the moment she walked in the door, always making sure she was taken care of. The patient said the way Kandi explained the labor process was especially helpful, and the patient kept playing the advice over in her head. She said every tip Kandi gave her worked. At one point, the baby’s oxygen dropped and caused the family quite a scare. Kandi was able to explain what was happening, get it under control, and comfort everyone. “She gave me the labor and delivery experience I dreamed of. She was the best nurse I have ever had,” the patient said.
“All new moms are my favorite. I have the privilege of helping them and guiding them. I am so happy to be here to provide them with support,” Costa said. “For them to take the time out of their busy new life with their babies to recognize me just means the world.”
Michael Olive, RN
Michael Olive is a Cardiology Unit nurse who shows compassion and empathy to his patients and their families. One patient was airlifted to the hospital and taken to Cardiology where Michael was assigned as his nurse. While the family was scared, Michael was comforting and transparent, making it easy for them to understand what was happening. “Michael always had a smile on his face and was very gentle with his care, which was greatly appreciated. This was an unexpected event, but Michael made it a little easier for us. He treated my father like a family member,” the nomination said.
“This heartfelt message from the patient’s family means more than any award. Knowing that I made a difference to them, that’s the best,” Michael said.
Joe Anderson RN, BSN
Joe Anderson is an Emergency Department nurse who puts patients at ease with his kind, understanding, patient and respectful manner. The patient who nominated him stated that she was tired, in pain, frustrated and angry when she visited the Emergency Department. But Joe immediately made her feel better, taking the time to make her feel like she mattered even though he was very busy. Two weeks later, Joe helped treat the patient’s son-in-law, and again, the experience was exceptional.
“It’s great to be recognized, but it really takes lots of people to make it happen. We are all a huge part of a great team and that’s why I choose to work here,” Joe said. “I feel very honored to get this award. I just try to give my patients kindness, compassion and good care. Everyone deserves that.”
Carter Colia, RN
Carter Colia is an Emergency Department nurse who provided care to a fellow nurse’s young son. The child was understandably scared to be in the Emergency Room, but Carter was so nice, explaining the situation and what was going to happen in a way both the parents and the child could understand. When putting in the child’s IV, Carter was able to do it quickly and distract him. “He provided the most thoughtful and compassionate care to not only my son, but to us as his parents. It will forever be remembered and appreciated,” the patient’s mother said in her nomination.
“It’s very cool to be recognized. This is one of many patients we take care of. Every day, everybody shows up and does their best and it’s a great team to be a part of. It’s nice to have this recognition, knowing that you made an impact,” Colia said.