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NameNomination
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Ashley Figueroa Ashley Figueroa. She works in the operating room and has experienced many horrific incidents and helped saved so many lives. From gun shot wounds to stabbings to motor vehicle accidents. No matter what she sees and goes through during her shift she always remains strong for others and keeps it together. She's truly an inspiration to her team and those around her a true angel.
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Brenda GonzalezBrenda is the kind of nurse who makes every shift better just by being around. She’s incredibly kind, and always puts the patients and her coworkers at ease with her warmth and positivity! Whether she’s making everyone laugh or rocking one of her signature jerseys, she brings a sense of camaraderie that makes even the toughest day easier. Our floor is not an easy one by any means, so she truly deserves to be recognized for her compassion and dedication!
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Calli KaufmanShe always has a smile on her face! She is also full time rodeoing and riding horses. Byt makes it into work to make every patient feel like they are in their own house and are safe and well taken care of!

If anyone deserves to throw the first pitch for a AMAZING team as the diamond Backs. We should let this AMAZING nurse start the game off right!
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Cassandra PerezNomination for Cassandra: A Beacon of Health Equity and Advocacy
I am thrilled to nominate nurse Cassandra Perez. I would like to recognize her for her outstanding contributions to health equity and her unwavering commitment to health advocacy in our community. Cassandra’s dedication to advancing healthcare for Hispanic communities is both inspiring and impactful.
Cassandra is the President Elect of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) Phoenix Chapter (https://nahn-phx.org/executive-board-members). One of her most notable achievements was the planning and organizing of a health conference last August in downtown Phoenix, focused on "Promoting Transformative Health Equity" in the valley.
This event brought together local health partners, including Mayo Clinic and Phoenix Children's Hospital, as well as educational institutions like ASU Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation and Maricopa Community Colleges plus many more nationally and through Arizona. Through this collaboration, Cassandra has fostered an environment aimed at initiating essential discussions on health equity, exploring innovative ideas and strategies for healthcare providers in promoting equitable care and health care access and addressing healthcare disparities, support our communities, and serve as advocates for both our nurses and the Hispanic community
In addition to her local initiatives, Cassandra has made significant contributions on a national scale. She participated in the Hispanic Health Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., where she met with state representatives to discuss important legislative priorities aimed at creating lasting change for all. Her engagement in the Round Table discussion on Protecting Arizona Women’s Health, led by Ruben Gallego, further underscores her commitment to advocating for policies that benefit underserved populations. Cassandra's collaboration with the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations exemplifies her dedication to fostering unity and promoting health equity across diverse communities.
Cassandra is also a proud 2023 Graduate of the Hispanic Leadership Institute, a program through Valle Del Sol that promotes the individual development of Hispanics for increased participation in leadership roles. Through this program, Cassandra helped start and organize the first annual Movimiento Community Health Fair, a free community health fair that consisted of many organizations across the valley, coming together to provide free health care services and resources to underserved communities.
Her tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, she received the prestigious Presidents Award for her chapter, and in 2023, she was nationally recognized as one of the 40 Under 40 awardees. Under her leadership, the NAHN Phoenix Chapter earned the Premier Corazon Award for Profiles of Success, highlighting their remarkable contributions to improving health equity in the community. Cassandra's vision for mitigating health disparities through addressing social determinants of health has profoundly influenced the chapter's initiatives.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Cassandra is a beacon of support for aspiring nurses. She embodies the spirit of mentorship, as exemplified by her unwavering support Cassandra helped me during a difficult time in my life when I was unsure whether I could continue in nursing school. I did not have the confidence, nor did I believe in myself after failing a very important test. When I did not believe in myself, she did. She would call me and remind me of my self-worth, she supported me mentally and was encouraging during my studying hours. As a single mother, I am now a licensed RN and able to provide for my family and children. I am so thankful to her and her passion for her craft and what NAHN is doing for our communities and nurses here in Phoenix.
Cassandra’s work extends beyond the walls of healthcare; she is actively involved in volunteering, mentoring, and promoting research in medicine for underserved and minority populations. Her commitment to fostering educational, professional, and leadership opportunities for Hispanic nurses is remarkable and speaks volumes about her dedication to the nursing profession.
Cassandra’s passion for her craft and her service to others truly fuel her soul. As she continues to advocate for health equity and empower those around her, she remains a vital asset to our community and a true leader in the nursing profession. I wholeheartedly nominate her for this recognition, as her contributions are deserving of the highest honor.

https://www.daisyfoundation.org/daisy-award/honorees/national-association-hispanic-nurses-phoenix-chapter

https://nahn-phx.org/executive-board-members

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oy4JDb7uNY_yRglbakWRpo3Bj1OaEnX3?usp=sharing
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Catherine RangelHas advocated for he patients to receive the care that they need and being with them through the whole process.
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Cathy LochrieCathy is an amazingly inspirational nurse. She cares deeply about delivery great care to whomever her patient may be at that given time. She has been a non-stop force at any facility she has worked, and experience as a regular floor nurse on up to director of nursing. And she is never afraid to get her hands dirty and take on loads of patients. She is wealth of knowledge, and is so respectful and caring of co-workers/staff.
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Daniel Amaya, FNPDaniel has been an exceptionally proactive healthcare professional for many years, beginning his journey as a CNA, advancing to an RN, and now proudly serving as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). He provides comprehensive care both in a clinic and within a prison setting, demonstrating his dedication to diverse healthcare environments. Throughout his career, Daniel has worked tirelessly to earn his degree, driven by a deep commitment to give back to the community where he was raised. His passion for serving others and improving access to healthcare is a testament to his personal and professional values.
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Denise SchooleyDenise Schooley is the Director of Nursing for Great Heart schools here in Arizona. She worked for several years as a school nurse for Great Hearts before stepping into this leadership position. She pushes herself daily to be a resource for all the health office staff around the valley. She even became a Nationally Certified School Nurse and is Vice President of School Nurses of Arizona organization. She is a supervisor that leads by example and you will often find her readily driving all over the valley to show up and support the staff in their health offices. I think Denise deserves to be recognized because too often you find individuals in leadership roles who do not support and show up for their staff the way they should. Denise is a great example of what it means to be a nurse in a leadership role. She cares greatly and while she isn't taking care of sick students anymore, she is caring for her team and staff in all the ways that matter. She logs countless hours of work and is always willing to help those around her.
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Desirae Ainsley To the world, Desirae Ainsley is a nurse—a title that carries weight, honor, and resilience. But to those who know her story, she is so much more: an artist, an angel, a beacon of light who dances gracefully between two worlds of nursing, weaving hope into the lives of the sick and beauty into the hearts of those seeking it. Desirae’s journey is one of unwavering strength, boundless compassion, and a quiet defiance against the odds—a story that deserves to be celebrated, cherished, and shouted from the rooftops.

For nine years, Desirae has walked the halls of Fresenius Kidney Care as a dialysis nurse, her steady hands and warm spirit tending to some of the most vulnerable souls among us. Day after day, she sits with patients whose lives hang in delicate balance, offering not just medical expertise but a rare kind of empathy that transforms a sterile clinic into a sanctuary of care. She is their angel—calm, kind, and tireless—working on the frontlines of a field that demands both precision and heart. Nine years of early mornings, late nights, and quiet moments holding space for those in pain. Nine years of choosing to show up, even when the weight of it all could have broken a lesser spirit.

But Desirae’s story doesn’t end there. It was love—our love—that brought her to Arizona as a travel nurse, a chapter that began as a temporary assignment and blossomed into a forever home. We fell hard and fast, two hearts finding each other under the desert sun, and together we chose to plant roots in this wild, beautiful place. Yet even as our life together took shape, Desirae’s ambition burned brighter. She dreamed of more—not just to heal, but to create. Inspired by a vision of empowerment and artistry, she stepped into the world of cosmetic nursing, co-founding The Refresh Room in Goodyear, Arizona, alongside her best friend and majority owner, Nurse Practitioner Paige. Together, they built something extraordinary—a partnership rooted in trust, shared passion, and a commitment to lifting others up. At The Refresh Room, Desirae traded IV lines for syringes, crafting beauty with the same precision and care she brings to dialysis. She became an artist, sculpting confidence and joy for her clients, proving that nursing is not just science—it’s a canvas for transformation.

Her rise in aesthetics, though, was no fairy tale. The beauty industry can be a battlefield, and Desirae faced its thorns head-on. Bullied by peers, undermined by toxic bosses, and navigating the cutthroat undercurrents of a world obsessed with perfection, she could have faltered. She could have let the venom dim her light. But Desirae? She rose. With every harsh word thrown her way, she responded with grace. With every obstacle, she doubled down on her positivity, her work ethic, her belief in herself. She and Paige built The Refresh Room not just as a business, but as a testament to their resilience—a space where others could feel seen, valued, and uplifted, just as Desirae does for her dialysis patients.

This is Desirae Ainsley: a woman who lives on both sides of the nursing spectrum with equal passion and purpose. By day, she’s an angel in scrubs, coaxing life into weary bodies at the dialysis clinic. By dream, she’s an artist at The Refresh Room, painting confidence onto faces and rewriting stories of self-worth alongside her best friend Paige. She is the heartbeat of every room she enters, a force of nature who turns adversity into inspiration and pain into power. Follow her journey on Instagram as @theredinjector, or step into her world at therefreshroom.com—you’ll see a woman who doesn’t just work miracles; she embodies them.
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Devon CraftDevon Craft is a geriatric nurse. He works in a memory care unit helping those who are battling Alzheimer’s and Dementia. His patience is surely valued and families believe his care has truly made the difference in these individuals lives.
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elisabeth samayoa super helpful and gets things done
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Elyssa MuddShe performs her job at an exemplary level. She’s saved lives.
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Erin McRorieErin McRorie has been a nurse for about 15 years mostly working in the ER. She has been at Banner Del Webb for the past 10 years and currently works in the IR dept. She has countless stories of saving lives on a daily basis. She is highly regarded among her peers.
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Génesis Lazcano In the fast-paced world of the emergency room, Genesis is a true lifesaver, bringing skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication to every patient she treats. With lightning-fast reflexes and a calm presence, she stabilizes critical patients, administers life-saving care, and offers comfort to those in distress. No matter how chaotic the ER gets, Genesis remains a pillar of strength, tackling every challenge with grace and determination. Her expertise and kindness not only save lives but also inspire everyone around her—because for genesis, being a nurse isn’t just a job, it’s her calling.


https://www.daisyfoundation.org/daisy-award/honorees/genesis-lazcano
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Gillian AitkenGillian is currently a nurse practitioner serving in disaster relief as a volunteer and working in clinics that serve underserved communities across Arizona. As a nurse she has spent almost a decade volunteering her time during natural and man made disasters from wildfires to mass casualties. During COVID she volunteered to work in all the hardest hit area including Navajo nation. She was the first individual to graduate nursing school many years ago in az who uses a wheelchair. Since then her dedication to her community has been unparalleled. She has gone on to get her Masters and doctorate while continuing her volunteer work as well. Her compassion and dedication to make healthcare accessible to everyone has made more of an impact that anyone could explain. I have served on volunteer deployments with Gillian and watched her work tirelessly to improve the lives of all her patients. I could think of no person or Nurse more deserving!
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Janessa BoldsI have a strong love for nursing, caring for people who are most time in a hard sick place, and need nursing care.
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Jasen BlackI don’t ever see Jasen sitting down when he is working, he is always in his patients rooms making sure they are comfortable, informed, and getting the best care possible or he’s helping one of his coworkers with their patients. Always offering kind words of encouragement and appreciation for the people around him. Patients love him and so do his coworkers.
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Jenna BrogdonJenna Brogdon is the best nurse I know. Back in 2013 she took care of my mom in the ER at Banner Boswell. Her knowledge and easy going nature made our experience calmer. Through that meeting we realized we had mutual connections and eventually got married. Throughout our marriage she has done so many things for our entire family both at work and at home, that has impacted our lives greatly. She was very involved with helping my mom get the best care possible, and helped our family through the process of letting her go. She also did CPR on my dad for 45 minutes, and did not give up until the EMS arrived. I have not met any other nurse as strong and loving. I am proud to be her husband!
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Kate (Catherine) MeyersMy mom, Kate Meyers, has worked Labor and Delivery for as long as I can remember. She started working as a nurse post grad working cardio thoracic heart and lung transplant, I remember her telling us about one of her favorite moments in the role when she flew on a Lear jet to get a donor heart for her primary patient that had been waiting many months in the hospital for a new heart. Her hard work and dedication to patient care didn’t stop there. In 2000, she travel nursed for Labor and Delivery in Arizona, California and Wisconsin. I always used to ask her why she chose Arizona for us to live, and she chose it from her experience travel nursing here, so she has been working at Chandler Regional Medical Center ever since 2002, in the Labor and Delivery unit! Growing up, we always used to visit her on holidays when she had to work, and she sacrificed the time she could have spent with us during those times to care for other moms who were going to bring their little ones into the world. My sister and I have so many pictures throughout the years of us building gingerbread houses during Christmas time in the cafeteria of the hospital and she would come down to say hi if it was a day she was on shift. She is so dedicated to her patients, and her job, always putting their needs before ever thinking of her own. Her most favorite moments as a labor and delivery nurse have been helping her friends bring their first babies into the world, and watching them grow up and have those babies become parents themselves! Kate, my mom, works night shifts at the hospital, fueling herself on the well being of her patients, and of course a bit of caffeine. My mom is the hardest working person I know, she never fails to turn down an extra shift if she has the time, and ultimately loves her job more than anything. Being a nurse was truly made for her, and now that I’m 20, I can go visit her at the hospital to bring her the extra pick me up espresso for a long shift, when I used to waddle in there to bring her flowers on Mother’s Day with my dad when she was working. It’s so rewarding to see her flourish in her profession, and love what she does. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Nursing in 1995, and this year will be her 30th anniversary of being a nurse. I would love nothing more (and I’m sure she would too) than to celebrate her and her accomplishments in her career by watching her throw the first pitch!
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Kerrie BurkettKerrie Burkett is an Emergency Dept Registered Nurse at Banner Del E. Webb Hospital. She recently received Daisy Award for outstanding care in ER. She has also received Daisy Award when working at Banner-University Medical Center. At the age of 34 Kerrie has seen and accomplished much in her profession. Kerrie is the Chair of Shared Leadership Committe in the ER. Kerrie is a preceptor in her department for new to service and recent graduates in the nursing field. Kerrie is also a mother of 2, wife and baseball team mom for her son's team. Kerrie is a diehard Diamondbacks lifelong fan and her favorite season is baseball season!
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Kimberly Cindy HernandezMy mother is the kindest person in the world she just finished nursing school and works for banner university and she went to carrington university as a full time mom of 3 boys. We are both huge dbacks fans and try to catch dbacks games as much as possible throughout the year, I’m a CNA for phx children’s and will soon be going to nursing school as well!
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Kimberly LaValleyKimberly LaValley is the definition of nurse. Since a young age she always had an interest in helping others especially when they aren’t feeling well. As she grew older she grew an interest in how the human body fights off illnesses and why some people can’t. Once in high school she signed up for all activities that involved medicine. Kimberly always knew she wanted to be in the health field and when it was time to go to school and chose a career there was no doubt in her mind she wanted to be a nurse. She dabbled in travel nursing for a while and helped out a lot of sick children throughout the years. She is now in Phoenix Children’s hospital with medically complex children. Children are just drawn to her whether it’s because she is short in stature and they see her as one of there own (a child) or it’s because she plays with them to make them comfortable so she can help them.
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Kisha ZaragozaKisha, an amazing nurse, deserves this nomination. Her dedication shines through in countless ways, like when she patiently comforted a terrified pt before his procedure, turning his anxiety into relief with her empathy. Or consider the time her keen eye caught subtle changes in a post-operative patient's vitals, leading to swift intervention and preventing a serious issue. Kisha doesn't just treat patients; she truly cares for them. She's also a fantastic support to her colleagues. For her exceptional compassion and To say Kisha is an amazing nurse is an understatement. She is, quite simply, extraordinary. Consider the story of pt, who faced his medical procedure with overwhelming anxiety. Kisha didn't just explain things; she radiated such genuine compassion and understanding that she transformed his fear into a sense of calm and confidence. That's not just nursing; that's pure human connection at its finest.

Then there's the instance where her almost intuitive clinical insight saved a post-operative patient from a potentially serious complication. While others might have missed the subtle early warning signs, Kisha's sharp mind and unwavering vigilance caught them immediately, leading to swift and effective intervention. This isn't just skill; it's a level of dedication and expertise that is truly exceptional.

Kisha doesn't just perform her duties; she elevates the entire standard of care. She possesses an unwavering dedication to her patients, a profound empathy that allows her to connect with them on a deeply human level, and a clinical acumen that is truly remarkable. She's a beacon of hope for her patients and an inspiration to her fellow nurses. Kisha isn't just amazing; she is a force for good in the lives of everyone she touches. Her commitment to nursing is nothing short of phenomenal. sharp clinical skills, Kisha is truly outstanding.
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Ky WellardKy trained me to be the best nurse I can possibly be and set me up for success for a challenging and rewarding career, for that I am forever grateful!
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Kylie DeBeauKylie DeBeau
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Lisa AlexanderLisa Alexander is the Peoria Unified District Head Nurse. She is an outstanding and compassionate leader who supports the school district nurses, ensures we get training, and gives us so many resources to be able to treat our students! She is also actively involved in the School Nurses Organization of Arizona. She responds and helps out in any area she is needed in!
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Madison Marie PerezMadison is an amazing nurse she is a person that puts her heart and soul into her work she was meant to be a nurse she cares about the patient and the patients family she is always there for her team to lend a helping hand in any way she can she truly is changing the world one patient at a time and I can’t think of any one else that not only deserves but has earned this she is a huge diamondbacks fan ever since I can remember and her husband is too I truly believe that she makes the medical field and her work place a better place every day she is there. I can’t say/write so much more but I don’t think it’s necessary you just have to meet her to know how great of a person and nurse she is.
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Marynda LongMarynda is a dedicated nurse who graduated in 2024. She was top of her class and now is rocking the nurse life at here in the valley. She is kind, compassionate and always strives to do right by her patients
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Megan CampbellI don’t think I’ll ever truly understand how my mom does it. But then again, I don’t need to understand the “how”—I just know that she's my hero, and she’s been through more than I can even imagine.

My name is Bryson Campbell, and I’m 14. My mom is Megan Campbell, and she’s an ER nurse at Honor Health John C Lincoln. I know what you're probably thinking—that’s already pretty impressive. But to me, it’s only the beginning of the story.

My mom didn’t just become an ER nurse. She earned that title after surviving a lot of things most people can’t even imagine. Things that no one should ever have to live through. When I was little, I didn’t know what was going on. But as I got older, I started to understand. There were a lot of nights when I would wake up to find her sitting in the living room, crying quietly in the dark, trying to stay strong for me. I used to ask her what was wrong, and she’d always tell me it was nothing, that everything was going to be okay. But now I know it wasn’t “nothing.” She found the strength to leave.

When my mom decided to go to nursing school, I was amazed. She told me that she wanted to help people, that she wanted to do something that would make a difference. And even though I didn’t fully understand, I knew she had the strength to do anything.

Now, my mom is an ER nurse. She is part of a team, a family, where each person contributes their unique traits to handle whatever comes through the door. The ER is a place where humanity shows up in its most raw and unfiltered form, and the teamwork it takes to manage that is what makes it truly extraordinary.

My mom is a perfect blend of skill, compassion, and resilience. She is quick on her feet, able to make split-second decisions in high-pressure situations, all while remaining calm and composed. She's also a pretty amazing mom! She is my number one fan supporting me on and off the ice or mat. She’s patient, knowing when to step in and when to let go, allowing her me to learn from my mistakes while offering guidance and wisdom. She balances discipline with kindness, teaching responsibility and respect, all while showing endless support and encouragement. She has inspired me to pursue a career as an Emergency Medicine Medical Doctor within the United States Navy.

She’s not just my mom. She’s my hero. And I don’t think there’s a title that could ever be bigger than that.
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Megan Gifford Megan is one of the best nurses I’ve worked with. She started her career in oncology then answered the call and went to New York during the first big spike of Covid. Since then Megan as worked in various Ers around the valley and is very knowledgeable and has earned the trust of all of the co workers that she has. On top of being an outstanding emergency nurse she also is teaching the new generation of nurses as an instructor for U of A. I think she should win this contest
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Miguel SuazoI am thrilled to nominate Miguel Suazo for the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Nurses Appreciation First Pitch event. Miguel’s unwavering commitment to nursing was exemplified during COVID, when he served as a non-travel nurse and travel nurse in three different states throughout the pandemic. His dedication extends beyond the hospital, as he also provides home visits to deliver care to patients in their homes. Miguel’s dedication and compassion make him an outstanding choice for this honor.

Lastly, a huge baseball fan, Miguel would be overjoyed to be recognized at this event for his remarkable nursing accomplishments. It would be an incredible moment for him to combine his love for the sport with his passion for nursing.

Thank you very much for your consideration of this nomination.
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Monique PellamDedicated Charge Nurse for the Surgery Department. Always putting patient safety first and employees satisfaction.
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Nathan PetersonNathan is an exemplary nurse. He has dedicated his career to serving the psychiatric population. He cares and advocates for involuntary psychiatric patients. He leads a team of people to ensure quality and safe care is provided. Nathan has been nominated for nurse of the year for ValleyWise Health System several years during his tenure and is up for nomination again. He has received many awards and strives to make the workplace better for their patients and his staff. He represents Desert Vista Behavioral Health in state based initiatives and is often chosen to be the spokesperson when representing units and floor staff to their credentialing agencies. Nathan is passionate about his career, staff and patients.
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Thanya MadridShe’s the absolute best nurse! She is so sweet and informative and makes you laugh forgetting why you’re at the doctors.
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Veronica CaraveoVeronica has been an amazing nurse, she has precepted many individuals and has been recognized by winning a daisy award for being an extremely caring nurse. For example, one individual nurse who she graduated with, was having a hard time passing the NCLEX Board Exam. However, Veronica would support the individual by tutoring him, emotionally supporting him, and he was able to pass it. She is now a school nurse and parents adore nurse Veronica with her efficient communication, caring demeanor, and health informant. She also goes above and beyond and translates for Spanish speaking patients and parents as she herself understands the struggles of growing up with a language barrier.
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