Honorees and Nominees

Kyle Ferrao, RN
Adult Emergency Department

This experience occurred in November 2023. As a Chaplain student, serving my on-call shift, I was called to the Adult Emergency by Nurse Kyle. One of his patients, an agitated, unkempt man wanted to speak to a chaplain. As I met the patient, he was so agitated that I did not have much luck beginning a conversation with him. The patient kept adamantly stating he wanted to get up and leave. His medical condition was precarious, and I did my best to assure him he was in good hands and that he would get the care he needed. Still the patient stayed agitated and continued to speak loudly about his need to leave. I did my best to help the patient calm down but was still struggling when Kyle came into the patient’s room and spoke up closely next to the patient’s ear. “Mr. ___, I have spoken to the doctors, and they are working on getting you a room upstairs, but until then, we need your heart to slow down. I am here with you and the chaplain is here. We will not let anything happen to you. You are safe here.” The patient appeared to be homeless, and he kept mentioning how difficult his life was on the streets, he kept telling us he was scared. Kyle’s gentle speaking close to the patient calmed him. Kyle left the room and I continued to speak reassuring the patient. Kyle returned to the room with a basin of warm water and wash cloths and a comb. He began to wash the patient’s face, neck, and comb his hair (after getting permission from the patient). The patient’s nursing assistant began to help with the washing of the patient. As Kyle combed the patient’s hair, the patient began to cry and express his gratitude. He said he was wanting a friend, since he had none and that he felt that Kyle’s loving care of him helped him feel better. This was the most beautiful expression of compassion for a patient I have seen in all my 37 years at LLUMC.

~ Chaplain Student

Mary Ann Arnobit Madriaga, RN
8A Medical ICU

I have the pleasure here to nominate Mary Ann Arnobit Madriaga for the DAISY Award having worked with her in the past three years as a fellow physician in Pulmonary Critical Care at Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC). We have worked closely throughout my experience in the Medical ICU (MICU) here from the COVID-19 pandemic and the period thereafter to the present. She is the best critical care nurse I have ever worked with without any doubt. I have been blessed to have worked with and supported by many caring experienced floor and ICU nurses throughout my career here and at my previous organization. However, Mary Ann is the RN that has changed my perspective of what a truly compassionate healthcare worker can and should be in practice. I have learned from her experience, loving spirit, and compassion. I frankly hope to be like her in her positive attitude and care for others. She consistently values every individual, including all the staff, patients, learners (including residents, students, preceptees), and families in the unit. She has a constant positive attitude and deeply cares for each person, truly like a saint. During some of the most challenging times that I have had taken care of the MICU patients with short-staffed ICUs, high census of critically ill patients and with my own personal and professional struggles adding to the stress of the ICU environment, I have always been able to count on Mary Ann to help each patient in the ICU (and her fellow critical care nurses). I have always been able to count on her friendship and professionalism in the MICU. On my hardest nights, she has uplifted me and encouraged me. She has shown me the care that she must be delivering her patients, and I can understand from nurses like her why LLUMC truly provides compassionate care.

I have countless experiences (from every single night that I have had the pleasure to work with her) which I could describe in this nomination, but I will highlight the foremost case of her absolute exceptional care here that displays her redeeming qualities.

One of the sickest patients that I have ever managed in my career now of 6 years was a patient with cirrhosis that was decompensated and presented here as a transfer for liver transplant evaluation. This patient declined massively and abruptly and ultimately bled to the point that the Surgical ICU, Trauma, and GI services in addition to many ICU nurses and I were managing the patient for 12 continuous hours in our shift together. This patient was profoundly ill to the point that he required 52 units of blood product transfusions throughout the night and several ICU procedures from catheter placements, bronchoscopy, EGD, and transporting down to the CT scanner on multiple vasopressors. He did not survive but his family knew how hard we worked, and how hard Mary Ann worked. She never left the patient's side for a single second - and she never left me. She did as much as she could (even in the 4 codes this patient had overnight). She kept the spirit of the room together; she kept me together in this life-changing case. 

She stayed hours beyond her shift in the morning consoling the family that arrived from out of state, consoling the staff that had been through this emotionally and physically exhaustive night, and in completing all the duties and charting of the hectic night. Her conduct in such a grueling shift with the sickest patient I have ever had was impressive. I was blessed she had that patient with me that night. She returned the next shift and gave it 100% like she always does.

Similarly, whenever I have any of the sickest patients that are admitted, upgraded, or transferred to the MICU, I know the charge nurses and critical care nurses can count on Mary Ann if she is the primary RN or if she is on service to help in managing these patients. When anyone struggles in the MICU, as we inevitably will for whatever reason, she consistently reminds me and all those around her that we are a team, and we are doing well. This is a team player that epitomizes good communication and compassion.

To summarize, I give my highest endorsement and strongest recommendation for Mary Ann Madriaga to be awarded for her commitment, compassion, knowledge, and professionalism. She has been a blessing for me and my patients. She should know that awards are well deserved, but she is the real prize. I know that no award can come close to the satisfaction that she must feel with her strong work ethic and dedication, but I believe she deserves recognition, and I am nominating her for the DAISY award. Thank you, Mary Ann, for your commitment to our patients and medicine, your professionalism, your friendship, and your love. Thank you for all that you have done.

~  Physician

Taylor Yee, RN
TMC Operating Room

All the years that I participated in DAISY Award nominations in our institution, I seldom see inducted nominees from my area of specialty. You see, I work in the Operating Room (OR), specifically the TMC OR. And as an OR nurse, I often wonder why there are so few OR nurses who had received the DAISY Award. I guess, there are not many patients who remember the OR nurses who took care of them while they are in the procedure room. Understandably, surgical patients usually spend more time “asleep” under general anesthesia, covered up with sterile drape, than being awake. When they are awake, patients are affected by the calming and relaxing effect of Versed in pre-op and in PACU, they are still groggy, emerging from general anesthesia. So, I got it!

But today, I wanted to share a story. I will let you be the judge whether this OR nurse whose story I am about to share is worthy of DAISY Award.

I want to introduce you to Taylor Yee. Taylor joined our TMC OR department back in the height of COVID in 2021 as an RN resident cohort. A timid and young nurse without any nursing experience, she started her journey as an OR nurse. On Friday, December 1, 2023, Taylor was assigned to OR 15 to take care of an ENT patient who underwent an ear procedure, specifically the right ear. The patient’s right ear was marked appropriately. Taylor, the anesthesia provider, and the patient confirmed the procedure including the laterality in the pre-op. Taylor, along with anesthesia, wheeled the patient into OR 15. After transferring to OR bed, the patient was induced. Like many ENT procedures in the OR, this one also required for the OR table to be turned 180 degrees, so that the head of the patient was away from anesthesia, allowing the surgeon to access the ear/face without any obstructions. After the patient was repositioned, Taylor proceeded with reconnecting the OR equipment like cautery, SCD, and our HAPI preventive mattress (DABIR). The surgeon was observed to grab the prep stand and started to shave the ear. At this time, Taylor heard the surgeon asking for help scooting the patient to the “left” which caught Taylor’s attention. Taylor looked up and noticed that the surgeon was shaving the hair on the “left” side of the head. Taylor quickly pointed out to the surgeon that she was shaving the “left” side of the head. The ENT surgeon turned the head to expose the right ear which had the “yes” marking and proceeded with the prepping and the procedure.

I am so proud of Taylor who was attentive and caught the error. Taylor was courageous as she spoke up for her patient. She single-handedly prevented the surgeon operating on the wrong site. Taylor’s action had saved this patient from becoming a victim of wrong-sided procedure. I just wanted to applaud OR nurses, like Taylor Yee, who is committed to patient safety every day!

~  Nurse Leader

Jennifer Tedeschi, RN
3700 Neonatal ICU

I'm an Emergency Department physician at Loma Linda University. But I met Jennifer as a Neonatal ICU (NICU) parent. After taking care of my baby for a few nights, we asked her to be our baby's night primary. Jenn is an incredible human and nurse! She not only took care of our baby’s medical needs, but also our family’s emotional needs. On her free time at home, Jenn made all kinds of things for my daughter to make her little NICU spot as home-like as possible. She made her little signs and even made her ornaments for her very first Christmas with her hand and footprints. Jenn was there for us when we were scared out of our minds with our baby on a jet. She taught us that we could be parents and do parent things even when our baby was really sick. For example, she taught us how to bathe her and took the fear out of it for us. Words cannot describe how much Jenn’s compassion and kindness mean to us. My baby misses her Auntie Jenn so much and so do we!

~ Patient’s mother

David Vogel, RN
4800 Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

There is no nurse like David Vogel. When I think about someone who works skillfully and carefully to provide efficient care for our sick pediatric Hematology/Oncology kids while making sure their patient experiences exceed that, at the top of my mind is David. He is consistent in the ways he goes above and beyond for our patients and for each story that is shared, there is another one to be discovered.

This past month, an end-of-life patient wished to celebrate Christmas, as it was his favorite holiday. Although it was March, David was rummaging around the unit, looking for decorations and collecting anything he could while rallying the nurses to make paper snowflakes to hang in the patient's room. Providing ways for kids fighting cancer and blood diseases to still have core memories, celebrate milestones and be children is his specialty...and that is seen through towel animals on their beds, helium "walking" balloons to get them ambulating and ensuring families have individualized legacy items created before patients pass away. There just isn't one story with this nurse...He exemplifies whole person care and is a nurse patients adore, and colleagues admire, and his career on our unit exemplifies "consistent demonstration of excellence through their clinical expertise and extraordinary compassionate care" as outlined by the DAISY Award requirements.

~ Nurse Leader

Joshua Babalola, RN
IP Psych Adolescent and Child

I write to you today to nominate a nurse that I believe best exemplifies the values of a DAISY Award recipient and deserves to be recognized with this prestigious honor. As a fellow colleague, I have had the privilege of working with Josh for the past 5 years and have witnessed firsthand the exceptional care that he provides to our patients every single day. In the fast-paced and often challenging environment of behavioral healthcare, it is rare to encounter someone who consistently goes above and beyond to not only provide phenomenal clinical care, but also upholds Loma Linda’s values of compassion, integrity, excellence, teamwork, and wholeness.

Working in Youth Services at the Behavioral Medical Center, Josh plays a variety of roles, with the first (and most obvious) being an incredible nurse. As a nurse, I feel there’s no other way to describe him other than being “one of the best”. Working with the adolescent population can be rather difficult at times, but the ability that Josh has to connect with his patients on a personal level is unlike any other. He consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to ensuring the comfort, well-being, and dignity of each patient by always taking the time to listen to them and address any questions and/or concerns they may have. It is with these actions that Josh is able to create such a strong rapport with his patients and assists them with their healing journey. Josh’s devotion and passion for helping our younger generation has even led him back to school to pursue a Doctorate’s degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

The second role Josh excels in is being a reliable team member. Acting as one of the relief charge nurses for Youth Services, Josh is a strong leader and frequently checks in with every single team member to assist them in any way possible. On the days that he works as a floor nurse, he can often be found floating between units lending a helping hand. A prime example of Josh’s reliability is when patients become verbally and/or physically confrontational on the unit. No matter an emergency situation may occur, Josh is capable of de-escalating even the most aggressive of patients.  It is because of these selfless acts and his calming energy that many of our coworkers find comfort and security simply from this presence on the unit, me included.

Finally, Josh serves as a motivating preceptor for our recently graduated and newly hired nurses. Josh fosters a positive learning environment and helps our nurses develop self-confidence by offering them emotional support, encouragement, and helpful criticism. Josh is often used as a resource even for our experienced nurses due to his extensive knowledge in his field of specialty.

It has been my honor to nominate Josh for the DAISY Award, and I am confident that he will continue to positively impact the lives of his colleagues, patients, and their families throughout his nursing career.

~ Colleague

Mel Quinte, APRN
Advanced Practice Services - Peds

I am writing to enthusiastically nominate Mel Quinte for the prestigious DAISY Award for Advanced Practice. Mel has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, skill, and compassion in her role as an advanced practice nurse, making her an outstanding candidate for this prestigious honor.

One of Mel's most commendable qualities is her ability to communicate effectively with patients and their families. She possesses a remarkable talent for explaining complex medical information in a way that is easily understood, fostering trust and comfort among those in her care. Mel's approachable demeanor and willingness to listen attentively to patients' concerns contribute to a patient-centered experience that is second to none.

Beyond her clinical acumen, Mel Quinte is a true advocate for patient advocacy and safety. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure patients receive the best possible care. Whether it involves advocating for necessary treatments, coordinating interdisciplinary care, or implementing evidence-based practices, Mel is a tireless champion for the well-being of her patients.

Mel's dedication extends beyond the bedside, as she is involved in mentoring and educating other healthcare professionals. She is an invaluable resource for the entire team, sharing her knowledge and expertise generously. Her commitment to professional growth not only enhances our team but also elevates the standard of care provided throughout the group.

In summary, Mel Quinte embodies the qualities of an exemplary advanced practice nurse—compassion, expertise, dedication, and advocacy. Her contributions are immeasurable, and consistently demonstrate a genuine commitment to the well-being of our patients.

I wholeheartedly endorse Mel Quinte as a deserving candidate for the DAISY Award for Advanced Practice. Her impact on our patients and colleagues is undeniable, and I have no doubt her continued dedication will serve as an inspiration to all those fortunate enough to work alongside her.

~ Fellow Nurse Practitioner

PK Kittipha, APRN
Advanced Practice Services - Adults

I am a patient I would wholeheartedly like to nominate PK of the Loma Linda University Health’s Bariatric Department.

I started my path towards obtaining the gastric bypass on June 6^th, 2018, that was the day I first met Dr. Keith Sharp. Little did I take into thought that this path would turn into a long and emotional journey. Fast forward to March 27, 2019, at 9:30 am was the day I first met PK. I still remember sitting in room one, my heartbeat unsteady, my hands across my belly, and my thumbs twiddling around one another. PK walked in with such a welcoming smile and those nerves slowly started to calm down. Truth be told, I did feel intimidated, as though I was about to be judged and even persecuted for where my current weight had checked in; PK simply washed every one of those feelings off with his warm bedside manner of allowing me to feel human (normal). PK simple washed every one of those feelings off with his warm bedside manner of allowing me to feel human (normal). PK worked hand and hand with me at our monthly visits.  Helping me establish a pattern with medication, mental health issues, as well as taking an interest in my schooling at the time. Each visit made me feel proud of what I was accomplishing, not just in my everyday life but on my path towards achieving my goals of getting this life altering surgery. In November 2019, I got the green light from PK that I had made it through all the obstacles I needed to get through for the surgery. It felt like a victory for both of us because how invested PK was to see me reach my goal. However, as 2020 rolled in the pandemic hit and the operation went on the back burner as many other peoples had. That year, I experienced many life-changing moments as many others had during that time. PK kept me on track as best he could with video appointments or messages through my chart. During that year, I started experiencing anxiety, depression, and fear but PK never allowed me to feel less of myself. In December 2020 Covid finally hit home, where both my parents and I all caught this virus. That month, I hit my breaking point and two months later in 2021 I was diagnosed with PTSD. As the world was getting back on their feet slowly, PK assisted me in getting back on track towards my operation. However, because my health was compromised with diabetes and a weak immune system, many setbacks from hospital visits, heavy medication, and lack of willpower slowed my journey towards getting my bypass surgery down. Even though that was accumulating, PK never once stopped having faith that I could get to that operating table. November 29^th, 2021, I graduated top 10% of my class, of course I shared this moment with PK, and he of course reminded me how my next major goal was my surgery.

In 2022, after several months of trying to get my weight where it was needed, many medication changes, and plenty of office visits, I was about to be kicked off the bariatric program. PK did his best to vouch for me to be given another opportunity. PK sat me down at one of our many appointments that year and told me this was my last go around. He reminded me to remember my “why”.  I remember looking at PK and tears running down my face and him saying “Remember, you just graduated, and you said you want to go to law school, you want to run up and down those courthouse steps, and one day you want to have a family”. PK even playfully always reminded me how Yale is my goal for law school and how I am supposed to make that a reality. Even with my ups and downs PK never allowed me to lose sight of what was important to me.

On December 21^st, 2022, I walked over to step on that scale once again as I had many times before and I made it. Tears in my eyes, sitting in exam room 3 enters PK with a big grin and I simply whispered, “We did it”. I stood up and hugged PK for helping me get to this proud moment. PK smiled and shared warm words of compassion and how I had made this a reality. By that point the holidays were around the corner once again and I would have to wait for the incoming month to get my operation date. Of course, small hiccups came up but nothing that was impossible to change. In February of 2023, I finally got the call to set my operation date. I had another visit with my favorite person PK. By this point PK had been working here with the bariatric department and was attending Yale. Even with his busy schedule PK showed me on his schedule that my operation date was already marked in. PK assured me that he would be there for this big milestone in my life.

Come full circle, 4 years later, 17 wellness appointments, 15 hospital visits/stays at the Riverside Community Hospital, on March 27^th, 2023, I checked into the bariatric surgical department. After getting all hooked up with my Mama at my side a little knock and a peek in through the curtain enters PK, this amazing man that never once allowed me to give up on making it to that moment in time. PK graciously asked to pray over me and helped push me into the operation room. PK introduced me to Wally (the machine that would be assisting to get my operation done), then proceeded to help guide me on the operating table. As they did their final preparation for me, PK stood there at my side as he had promised to talk to me about the next goals I needed to achieve and even about the different law schools I was considering. The last moment I recall before going under was him joking about how Yale was the first choice.

I am now 7 months post op, and I am studying to take my LSATs to apply to law school. Although I know many people contributed to my surgery and even my mental well-being, in my heart, PK is the reason I made it this far in my surgical journey. PK ’s inability to not allow the world around me to crumble my dreams and goals. The motivation and drive to push and encourage me to not give up. Above all, PK PKs superpower of insuring me, that I could do anything; even when things seemed impossible and unattainable.

Nonetheless, this is my story and journey with PK. Whom I thank and owe so much to this person. I do believe PK saved my life in more than one way. For this is the reason I believe that PK should obtain the DAISY Award. I thank those who take time in reading my journey and the amazing kind-hearted person PK is.

~ Patient

Rosemary Maingi, RN
General Surgery

When I think of the true meaning of a nurse, I think of someone who is compassionate, genuine, kind at their core. Someone who inspires, leads, educates, and loves with everything they are. All these attributes I see in Rosemary and yet there is so much more to her and what she gives. Rosemary has been a part of our Loma Linda team for over four years now. I have seen her in both day and night shift settings and the relationships that she has built with her coworkers, physicians, leaders, and most importantly with her patients. I have witnessed firsthand the effort, time, support, intention, and care that she has given to her patients in their time of need, confusion and unknown. I have seen her resilience in times of struggle, her strength in times of weakness, and her bravery to overcome situations and environments that anyone could ever imagine. Her patients share their private struggles with her, and she takes on their concerns and becomes their advocate and ally.

I remember her taking care of a middle-aged male with a small child recently receiving news that he had been diagnosed with cancer. This patient resembles at the time what may have seemed like the epitome of strength and health who is emotionally and internally going through so much more. Rosemary spent an endless amount of time with him sharing her faith and providing a sense of support that he didn't realize was something that he could receive from his nurse. I watched as she walked with him on each of her shifts around the unit over and over again sharing conversation and providing a sense of peace.

You can provide teach skills and teach someone how to chart but Rosemary possesses the desire, the heart to relate, and the ability to love, to give, and to empathize. She does not discriminate, all of God's children are her priority and all those she encounters receive a part of her beautiful gifts no strings attached. We are blessed, her patients are blessed, and we are thankful and so grateful that she is here and present; mind, body, and soul. Let's celebrate her!

~ Fellow Nurse

Jaime Hasler, RN
1300 Medical Acute

I am a patient with chronic pancreatitis. I have not been able to digest or keep any food down in approximately 6 days. I am extremely weak; my hair is falling out in clumps, and I am losing dangerous amounts of weight very quickly. The abdominal pain can be nearly unbearable.

Jaime Hasler was my roommate’s nurse. She was very positive and encouraging to me from the moment I met her even though she wasn’t my nurse. Jaime noticed that I was frustrated and upset, and she basically adopted me as her own patient in addition to the other patients that she already had. She checked on me, administered my medication, and treated me like I was her own patient. I thanked her profusely and she continued to tell me that she didn’t mind helping me.

It was definitely extra work for her. She never complained and she actually smiled the entire time and made me feel better. She was so kind and encouraging and because of her kindness and compassion I was able to focus on getting well. I am so grateful for Jaime! She changed my healing experience and made me feel so much more positive. Thank you, Jaime! You are a positive, generous, and a kind angel.

~ Patient

Lora Singuillo, RN and Stephen Alcoran, RN
Ambulatory Infusion Center and 2100 Surgical Acute

I am a patient of the Loma Linda University Health Infusion Center. I take an infusion monthly for my Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have had the great privilege of having Lora Singuillo and Stephen Alcoran as my nurses numerous times, making me feel special. With their contagious smiles, sweet dispositions, compassion, patience, and caring it makes me feel well taken care of and extremely respected. They really know how to do their job. When the infusion is done, I feel great and happy to have them as my nurses. I feel blessed for the kindness they have towards me every time I see them. God bless you, Lora and Stephen.

~ Patient