Salinas Valley Health Nurse Aide Receives STAR Award

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

SALINAS, CA, August 29, 2019 - Salinas Valley Health has recognized Natividad (Natty) Felix with the STAR Award for the outstanding care and service she provides patients. Felix is a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) who exemplifies the Salinas Valley Health STAR values - Support, Teamwork, Accountability and Respect. She received the STAR Award in a special ceremony at the medical center, surrounded by her colleagues.

“I was shocked when they told me,” says Natty Felix, CNA. “I love taking care of our patients and I love the people I work with at Salinas Valley Health. We support each other.”

Felix joined Salinas Valley Health in August of 2001. More than a dozen of her co-workers including nurses and nurse aides nominated Felix for the STAR Award. They expressed she goes above and beyond for her patients, that she is kind and compassionate and a joy to work with every day. One colleague noted that Felix exemplifies the best care any patient can received. “Natty embodies the mission and values at Salinas Valley Health,” wrote Joseph Guira on the nomination form. Another colleague wrote about a time there was a difficult patient and Natty’s personality and professionalism helped the patient feel comfortable and at ease, making it easier for everyone to provide the care the patient needed.

“Natty is always quick to respond to a call light,” says Christie McGuire, RN, Chief Nursing Officer. “She’s a team player and we are fortunate she has been a part of our organization for 18 years and continues to share her enthusiasm for the care we provide.”

Two other employees were nominated for the August STAR Award; Ana Mendez-Zamora, a clerk in the Wound Care Center and Yolanda Salazar, an Aide in Nutrition Services. Each month, Salinas Valley Health recognizes an outstanding employee with a STAR Award (for all staff) or a DAISY Award (for nurses). Nomination forms and drop boxes are located throughout the medical center. To learn more about the awards visit Nurse Recognition | Salinas Valley Health or STAR Award | Monterey County Health System (salinasvalleyhealth.com)

Editor note: Photos attached. Natividad Felix, Certified Nurse Aide; Natividad Felix, Certified Nurse Aide and Christie McGuire, RN, Chief Nursing Officer.

About Salinas Valley Health

Salinas Valley Health is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of the region through an integrated network of health care initiatives, services and facilities. In addition to an acute care, public district medical center licensed for 263 beds, the system includes Salinas Valley Health Clinics, a multi-location clinic expanding access to primary and specialty care and 13 urgent care locations. Salinas Valley Health is one of the area’s largest employers with a staff of 1800, and is a leader in providing nationally recognized quality care. Collaboration is an important operating principle for Salinas Valley Health in such key areas as our Level III NICU, operated in a joint venture with Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford; Aspire Health Plan, Monterey County’s only Medicare Advantage program; Community Health Innovations; and Blue Zones Project Monterey County.