DAISY Award for Patient Care

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

The prestigious DAISY Award often recognizes extraordinary actions by nurses and also the daily dedication that makes an incredible impact. In the case of Salinas Valley Health nurse, Brittnee Sandoval, RN, BSN, CMSRN, there’s a case to be made for both. Brittnee was instrumental in providing COVID education to farmworkers during the pandemic however it is her persistent and consistent devotion to patients at the Medical Center that earned Brittnee the DAISY Award.

“Brittnee exudes positivity and is one of those people who naturally goes the extra mile for others,” says Agnes Lalata, MSN, CMSRN, CNML, Director Medsurg ONC/MS/ONS/PEDS/WC. “Her uplifting and can-do attitude is healing medicine. She engages with her patients in memorable ways and they respond to her encouragement and authentic concern for their health and well-being.”

Patient comments written on post-care patient surveys reflect Brittnee’s impact as a nurse on the Medical Surgical Unit at Salinas Valley Health. One reads: “Brittnee, the nurse I had is worthy of a promotion. Brittnee's attitude of being kind and just a good person made me want to quit tobacco, which I did. Brittnee was a shot of joy for me and she's why I quit smoking.” In nominating Brittnee for the DAISY Award, the patient experience team also shared how Brittnee helped one patient with his paperwork to apply for Cherokee Nation Status. He was grateful for her kindness and support.

“It’s an honor to be a nurse,” said Brittnee Sandoval, RN at Salinas Valley Health and DAISY Award recipient. “Connecting with patients and helping them is all the reward I need. This award is unexpected but I’m so grateful for the recognition and to be able to work at Salinas Valley Health with my dedicated co-workers. Patient care is definitely a team effort and we have a great team.”

None of the patient praise comes as a surprise to the nursing leadership team at Salinas Valley Health. Brittnee first joined the organization in August of 2017 and in 2020, took an active role in a key community outreach project during the COVID-19 crisis. At the height of the pandemic, Brittnee participated in a Salinas Valley Health initiative with agricultural leaders to provide life-saving Spanish language education to workers in the fields, sharing important medical information and safety precautions.

Other DAISY Award nominations and acknowledgement for exceptional care include: Marry Osborne, Staff Nurse II, Mother/Baby; Eva Baron, Staff Nurse II, Telemetry/4T; Makaylah Dorsey, Staff Nurse II, Patient Care Resources; Savannah Silacci Rodriguez, Staff Nurse II, Telemetry/4T; Cassandra Ruano, Staff Nurse II, ONC; Normita Batalla, Staff Nurse II, ONS; Leslie Amaral, Staff Nurse II, Telemetry/4T; Gillian Camany, Staff Nurse II, Telemetry/4T; Jorge Morga, Staff Nurse II, Pediatrics; Monica Loza Gonzalez, Staff Nurse II, Telemetry/5T; and Brittany Sonderegger, Staff Nurse II, Emergency Department.

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 Salinas Valley Health core 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 hospital and online. To learn more about the awards visit Nurse Recognition | Salinas Valley Health and STAR Award | Monterey County Health System (salinasvalleyhealth.com).