Adventist Health and Rideout Recognizes Summer 2025 DAISY Award Recipients

The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary compassion and skillful care given by nurses every day. Adventist Health and Rideout is proud to be a DAISY Award partner.

DAISY Award honorees personify the remarkable Adventist Health and Rideout patient experience. These nurses consistently demonstrate excellence through their clinical expertise and extraordinary compassionate care, and they are recognized as outstanding role models in our nursing community.

2025 DAISY Team Award Recipient: 3 Main
Nominated by: Patient, Kassandra C.

Patient: "I am 25 years old, and I lost my mom a couple months prior to my visit at the hospital; in the span of 3 weeks, I was septic twice ending up with a perforated bowel. I was air lifted to Adventist Health where it was my first time flying, and first ever surgery under anesthesia. The surgeon explained what he had to do to my abdomen, we talked about potentially a medically induced coma with a ventilator to heal. We discussed the risks of everything, it was all so overwhelming. I was scared out of my mind all I could think was how much I wanted my mom. I was afraid I was going to die I'm only 25 my heart rate was so high peaking at 150 constantly, I just had to accept what needed to happen and to know the hospital was going to make everything ok. When I woke up in my room I was screaming in pain, scared with an open abdomen healing from the inside out and a colostomy bag.

The 6 nurses I am nominating went above and beyond with my care. Nirmal, she gave me such great care when I'd cry and when I was scared, she was the first nurse I had, we grew a strong bond she even came to see me when she wasn't my nurse just to say hi and see how I was doing. She was the mother figure I needed in that moment. Rachael was my nurse assistant for multiple days she made me laugh in my darkness. I'm 25 with a colostomy bag I was embarrassed I felt ugly, abnormal, and wasn't comfortable with it yet. Every day she made me laugh brushed my hair brought products to detangle my hair, she gave me advice about other things for my health that had helped her. She was another friend and mother figure in my time of need. My nurse Navjot constantly reminded me how strong I was pushing through so much pain and the obstacles my life was throwing at me. When she saw me start to struggle, she'd rub my shoulder or leg and reminded me how strong I was. She was always giving me words of encouragement and helping me to be patient with myself with everything being so new.

Lee was my night nurse he was so sweet whenever I needed anything he came. He was always here to put my mind at ease and explain anything that was scaring me with my anxiety. He was so calming, and he really made me feel safe. My nurse Mandeep, she helped me by explaining how to drain and empty my colostomy bag and drain tube's making sure multiple times I knew how these devices worked. She does her job really well always on time and ready with anything I could need. She would come in and smile telling me good morning and I knew she was always going to take care of me. My last night in the hospital I had Simer she was fantastic so sweet, made me laugh and cared for me with a big heart she kicked my last night off I was so comfortable I would've thought I was at home.

These 6 nurses did everything, and I wish I could give them each a daisy award. They are great, and they made my time in the hospital memorable with smiles and laughs. I will forever remember these 6 people and the 3 Main department.

DAISY Recipient: Jennifer (Jenny) Lopez
Department: Labor and Delivery
Nominated by: Patient, Jewelia A.

Patient: “I came into Labor & Delivery for a routine NST test at 33 weeks and 4 days and to my surprise was admitted that night and told I'd be at the hospital until I hit 34 weeks and would be delivering my baby then. Jenny was the first nurse I met. She walked into my room, and I started sobbing. I had never been away from my 2-year-old daughter, and she still slept next to me every night. I was a mess over it and especially that I hadn't even seen her at all that day.

Jenny explained tonight was also the first night she had ever been away from her two-year-old daughter and that we could go through it together. She checked on me all night and we exchanged stories of our daughters, showed each other pictures and overall, it just really helped me settle down by not being alone in my grief. Jenny was my nurse on and off through the whole stay but wasn't on shift for the birth. She came downstairs to Postpartum after I had my son to congratulate me and see him. Her overall presence and attitude put me at ease and the fact that we could relate so much really helped ease my anxiety.

I will always remember the way Jenny helped me during my labor. She is an amazing nurse and an even more amazing person."

DAISY Recipient: Simranjot Singh
Department: ICU
Nominated by: Co-worker, Robin McCall

Robin McCall: "I'm so proud to nominate my coworker for the DAISY Award. I had the honor of watching him care for a young Indian patient recently diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, and the compassion, respect, and advocacy he showed every single day left a lasting impact on everyone involved including me. This patient came from a cultural background very different from ours with specific traditions, beliefs, and subcultures that influenced how the family processed her illness. Many people might have struggled to navigate that, but he didn’t. He leaned in. He listened. He took the time to understand their perspective, honor their values, and create a space where the family felt supported and respected even when the situation was complex and emotionally heavy.

Despite the heartbreaking diagnosis, the family chose to prolong her life, knowing the end was near. And through the patient's month-long stay, he showed up for them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Day after day, he was their advocate. He stood by them in quiet difficult moments, ensuring their wishes were heard, their dignity upheld, and their grief acknowledged. He never lost his patience. He never lost his empathy. He was steady, gentle, and kind, even when things were hard. He didn’t just care for a patient he cared for a family. And through that, he reminded us of what it truly means to be a nurse.

The way he approached this family with humility, cultural sensitivity, and deep compassion was one of the most beautiful examples of human-centered care I've ever witnessed.”

DAISY Recipient: Baldeep Sangha
Department: Emergency Department
Nominated by: Francisco Villasenor, Security

Francisco Villasenor: "It is with great honor and admiration that I nominate Baldeep for the DAISY Award, in recognition of his unwavering dedication to our patients and to the Emergency Department team.

Over the past year and a half that I’ve had the privilege of working alongside him, I have witnessed Baldeep go above and beyond not only in providing exceptional clinical care but in being a true pillar of support for his coworkers. His presence is marked by professionalism, empathy, and an unfaltering commitment to patient-centered care.

I might not be a nurse myself; I work in the Emergency Department as part of the security team but I’m present throughout the unit and observe so much of what happens behind the scenes. One thing I’ve noticed time and again is how grateful patients are when Baldeep is their nurse. I’ve heard countless people thank him for his kindness, patience, and compassion. Their appreciation is genuine, and it’s clear that his care leaves a lasting impression.

One moment that deeply moved me was when I saw Baldeep with a visibly distressed patient. He sat beside them, gently held their hand, and spoke to them at eye level with calm reassurance. It was a simple gesture, yet incredibly powerful. In that moment, Baldeep’s compassion and humanity transformed a chaotic situation into one of comfort and peace. It was a reminder of the healing power of presence.

Baldeep also plays a critical role in maintaining a safe and respectful environment in our department. He frequently assists in de-escalating challenging situations, working collaboratively with security and staff to ensure that patients are treated with dignity, even in the most difficult circumstances. His calm demeanor and respectful approach consistently help to restore a sense of safety and trust.

Baldeep embodies the core values of our profession: compassion, excellence, and genuine human connection. His daily actions make a lasting impact on patients, families, and colleagues alike. He is an invaluable member of our team, and I can think of no one more deserving of the DAISY Award."