Natividad is paying special recognition to its nurses during National Nurses Week from May 6-12. The World Health Organization has also declared 2020 to be the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

Natividad celebrated the dedication, skill and kindness of both its nursing DAISY Award winners and Partners in Caring Award winners with a special ceremony that was recorded and broadcast to staff.

“Now more than ever, nurses are at the center of everything that happens in taking care of people,” said Nancy Buscher, DNP, RN, Natividad Chief Nursing Officer. “They’re at the heart of healing, comforting and leading during these challenging times, and we are thrilled to recognize them for their courage and dedication not only to our patients but to our staff as well.”

This year, Natividad recognizes three clinicians who support nurses for its Partners in Caring Awards. Each award winner was nominated for their partnership and collaborative efforts. The winners include Ruby Canonizado, a health care technician, Christopher Henderson, LVN, and Maria Velasquez, a nursing assistant.

“Our winners are outstanding examples of teamwork and caring,” Buscher said.

Natividad recently announced the first two recipients of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of The DAISY Foundation’s national program to recognize nurses. “This program exemplifies nurses who go above and beyond by providing extraordinary, compassionate care,” Buscher said.

Lucy Vigil, RN and Jessica Davis, RN, both received The DAISY Award. “I’m honored and completely humbled,” Vigil said. “So many nurses here deserve this award, and it means so much that my patients believe that I’m doing a great job.”

“I got into nursing because I really enjoy making people feel good and treating people kindly and compassionately. This award encapsulates what I think of nursing and I’m just really proud, honored and grateful to receive it,” Davis said. “I’m also very thankful for the Acute Rehabilitation team.”

Natividad patients, visitors and co-workers may nominate a nurse for the DAISY Award who exemplifies the following characteristics:

• Established a special connection with a patient/family.
• Has significantly made a difference in the life of a patient.
• Shows empathy in all situations.
• Is an outstanding role model for the nursing profession.
• Generates enthusiasm and energy toward meeting the challenges of nursing.
• Consistently exhibits excellent interpersonal skills.
• Exemplifies the essence of professional nursing in all activities.

To nominate a nurse for The DAISY Award, please visit www.natividad.com/DAISY or Natividad’s Spanish website at espanol.natividad.com/daisy/.