MADERA, Calif. – When Crystal Aguayo transitioned from the operating room to the pediatric intensive care unit, she set a goal to connect more deeply with patients and families. That goal came full circle when she became the first recipient of the prestigious DAISY Award in the history of Valley Children’s Healthcare.
Aguayo, who joined the PICU team close to a year and a half ago, was celebrated by colleagues during a heartfelt ceremony in September.
“The DAISY Award was almost a mythical thing to me, something you hear about but never expect to win,” Aguayo said. “I feel so honored.”
The DAISY Award is part of a nationwide program that highlights nurses who go above and beyond, with nominations submitted by patients, families and fellow healthcare professionals. Aguayo’s recognition marks a milestone for Valley Children’s, as she is the hospital’s first honoree.
“I can’t say enough how great it is to work for this organization,” Aguayo said. “I feel so incredibly humbled and motivated all at once.”
Before joining Valley Children’s, Aguayo worked in an operating room setting, where direct interaction with patients and families was limited. Transitioning to the PICU, she quickly realized the importance of building meaningful connections with those she cares for — and made it a personal goal to strengthen her interpersonal skills.
“This recognition means so much more than an award,” she said. “It’s a reminder that even as we are still growing, we can have a lasting impact on the children and families we care for.”
Aguayo was nominated by both her peers and a patient’s family, who praised her for her empathy and reassurance during a difficult time.
“She let us know our son was doing extremely well in so many areas of his health, and that she had faith he would overcome this,” the family said. “She went out of her way to make us feel better about our stay.”
The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 in memory of Patrick Barnes, who passed away from an autoimmune disease. DAISY — which stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System — began recognizing nurses after Barnes received exceptional care during his illness.
During the recognition, recipients receive a DAISY portfolio and a hand-carved “Healer’s Touch Sculpture” from Zimbabwe.
To learn more about the DAISY Award, click here.
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