Double DAISY Award for Life-Saving Care

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
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It took all of those qualities and experience to overcome the challenges of one recent case to help save a patient’s life. Their commitment on a complex case in the intensive care unit (ICU) earned Dana Rodgers, RN and Lori Palm, RN the organization’s first double DAISY Award for nursing excellence.

In a ceremony recognizing their achievement, the usually quiet ICU was the backdrop for tears, hugs and cheers. As the Chief Nursing Officer began to recall the day, Dana and Lori knowingly nodded their heads remembering the difficult situation. It was one of those cases where teamwork, resolve and clinical skills turned hope of the patient’s survival into a reality.

“This exemplifies what extraordinary nursing care is all about,” says Salinas Valley Health Chief Nursing Officer, Lisa Paulo, MSN/MPA, RN, CENP. “Our nurses rise to the occasion day in and day out. As you heard, it's not all about applying knowledge. It's combining what your brain knows with a passionate commitment to put our patients first. Dana and Lori are wonderful examples of our dedication and so deserving of this prestigious award."

The nomination by a colleague cited a patient requiring intubation, an arterial line, which is a thin flexible tube placed into an artery, and drainage of the patient’s lungs and chest tubes. The respiratory care practitioner wrote in part, “Dana Rogers worked for hours side by side with the pulmonologist. The charge nurse insisted she needed a break but Dana kept with her patient until she was sure the patient was stable. Due to difficulty draining the patient’s lung in the lateral position, Lori Palm, with her many years of experience, picked up the patient after intubation and remained seated with the person resting on her shoulder until the pulmonologist was finished draining all the fluid from the patient’s lung.”

The 6 ½ hour process successfully resulted in the patient stabilizing and ultimately surviving the dire medical condition. “This exemplifies what extraordinary nursing care is all about,” says Salinas Valley Health Chief Nursing Officer, Lisa Paulo, MSN/MPA, RN, CENP. “Our nurses rise to the occasion day in and day out. As you heard, it's not all about applying knowledge. It's combining what your brain knows with a passionate commitment to put our patients first. Dana and Lori are wonderful examples of our dedication and so deserving of this prestigious award."

“It’s really all about teamwork and working with a great team,” says Lori Palm, RN. Lori joined Salinas Valley Health in March of 1997. Dana Rodgers, RN who has been working at Salinas Valley Health since December of 1993, modestly added through her tears, “It really was a good save.”

In addition to the national recognition, the nurses receive a DAISY Award statue, certificate and numerous other gifts and benefits stemming from the honor. Salinas Valley Health also recognizes Estee Lynette Perez, RN on the Mother/Baby unit for her DAISY Award nomination.

Every month, Salinas Valley Health recognizes two extraordinary employees, one with a DAISY Award (for nurses) and another with a STAR Award (for all staff). STAR stands for the Salinas Valley Health values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability and Respect. Nominations can be submitted by patients, visitors and staff. Nomination forms and drop boxes are located throughout the medical center and online. To learn more about the awards visit salinasvalleyhealth.com/nomination.