Our DAISY Nurses
Jordan McDermott, RN
December 2025
The nominee is deserving of a daisy award because he listened with not just his ears, but his heart. He heard my mom (his patient) ask for a popsicle after she hadn’t eaten in several weeks and not only did he get it for her but suggested other ways to get her flavor into her mouth while still being safe. He didn’t just hear a patient asking for a popsicle, he recognized a human who hasn’t been able to enjoy one of life’s basic pleasures in a long time and seemed genuinely excited to share different ideas and bring them to fruition for her! As a family member watching someone I love to suffer mentally and physically, his kindness and empathy made me feel better about leaving her in his care. Not only did I believe she’d be competently cared for but treated with kindness and empathy as a fellow human being.
The nominee never seemed rushed. He took the time to communicate with both my mom and the family members in the room. He stopped by to check in and then took the time to answer all our questions about medications and test results and did all this happily without seeming annoyed or rushed. He did little things that perhaps were not medically important but was a way of treating my mom with dignity. He made sure she was comfortable, offered different things we didn’t know were options and made sure to compliment my mom on how much better she looked than the last time he was in.
Hospital stays can be demoralizing and dehumanizing with the tubes and drains and lack of autonomy in movement. Nurses like this one who are not only competent in their medical care but go the extra mile towards kindness and compassion are true healers. They remind patients of their humanity, don’t make them feel like just another task to be completed, but like a real person deserves to be recognized. I hope that receiving this award will let him know how special he is and how much we appreciate his care.
My mom has since passed away, but his kindness and recognition of her humanity made everything seem ok while we were going through the hardest times.
Nominated by a patient’s family.
Bini Mathew, RN
November 2025
It is with great appreciation and admiration that I nominate Bini Mathew, RN, for the DAISY Award. As a RN Care Coordinator who manages complex care for high-risk patients, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every patient receives the highest standard of care, often exceeding expectations in ways that profoundly impact patients and their families.
The nominee works tirelessly behind the scenes to coordinate across multiple disciplines, ensuring that her patients, many of whom face significant medical, social, and emotional challenges, receive seamless, comprehensive care. Her ability to navigate complex healthcare systems while advocating fiercely for her patients sets her apart as a true patient champion.
She is known for making thoughtful follow-up calls, assisting with insurance barriers, and even checking in with patients well after discharge to make sure they are safe and supported. She embodies what care coordination truly provides for our patient.
She recognizes that high-risk patients often face gaps in care and works diligently to close those gaps whether that means attending care team huddles, collaborating with providers, or educating patients and families.
The nominee doesn’t just do her job; she embodies the essence of nursing. She treats every patient with dignity and respect, sees them as whole individuals, and delivers care with heart. Her dedication uplifts those around her and inspires her colleagues to strive for the same level of excellence and empathy.
This nominee truly exemplifies the spirit of the DAISY Award, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor.
Nominated by a UI Health Employee.
Guadalupe Martinez, RN
October 2025
The nominee has taught me that every patient carries a unique story. Her deep compassion shines through in the way she connects, not just with patients, but with their families and our entire team. With gentle attentiveness to each person’s history and the conversations they share, she forms meaningful bonds that feel truly one-of-a-kind. I’ve especially admired how naturally she calms and supports patients on the spectrum, creating a sense of safety and trust with remarkable ease. Watching her transform a patient’s experience through such thoughtful care is a genuine joy, and I feel so lucky to learn from her compassionate approach. Her creativity and dedication challenge the usual boundaries of nursing, elevating our care so that every patient feels seen, heard, and deeply valued.
Working alongside the nominee inspires me to reflect on my own practice and encourages me to be a more attentive, supportive teammate. She advocates passionately for both patients and staff—fiercely addressing safe staffing and championing the well-being of our coworkers in the demanding world of oncology. Her love of teaching and collaboration has touched so many on our unit. Whether mentoring new nurses or sharing new techniques, she is a steady, reassuring presence in times of crisis and a source of warmth during the toughest shifts. Her heartfelt stories remind me why this work matters so deeply, witnessing the incredible strength and vulnerability in every person’s oncology journey is a privilege I carry with me every day.
Nominated by a UI Health Employee.
Skylar Argento, RN
Emergency Department
August 2025
A pediatric patient arrived by private vehicle at the ER after suffering a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The patient was quickly taken into the ER and received care from staff members. The patient’s parents followed closely behind, while the three siblings, all under 18, waited in a vehicle with UIC police.
Noticing the siblings' distress, Skylar—off duty and on her way home—stopped to help. She assisted UIC police officers in assessing the situation and stayed with the siblings outside the ER, providing them with juice and blankets and advocating for their needs. She then brought them into the ER and remained by their side until the patient was transferred to Cook County Hospital.
The patient’s father expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Skylar for supporting the siblings while the parents focused on their child. Skylar's compassion for patients and their families exemplifies her exceptional skills and dedication. She truly embodies the spirit of teamwork and care and is a valuable asset to the department.
Nominated by a UI Health Employee.
Ivette Orellana, RN
SCB - PACU
July 2025
I just wanted to take a minute to give a HUGE shout-out to Ivette Orellana, Staff Nurse I.
She was helping with the post calls, and she spoke with a parent of a 5-year-old tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy. The mother said the patient bled for 30 minutes, but he was fine now. Ivette kept asking all the right questions: how is his mentation, is he eating/drinking, and is he urinating. The mom's responses led to Ivette insisting she return to the ER. Ivette continued insisting that the patient come back a few times and notified Dr. Thambi.
We later found out the parent took her advice and came back. The pediatric patient ended up being admitted. Ivette caught that unstable situation through her assessment by phone and her experience with kids. Thanks to her, they were able to help that child in the ER in a timely manner.
Nominated by an UIC employee.
Susamma George, RN
Sickle Cell
July 2025
I would like to nominate Susamma George from Sickle Cell for being a wonderful nurse. She is patient, loving, compassionate, empathetic, kind, nurturing, and understanding to ensure that patients feel safe and loved and their needs and concerns are met.
She is very passionate and committed, and she advocates for her patients. She knows how to work and stay calm under pressure. She is resilient. I admire how she never complains while working long shifts and how she multitasks and takes care of many patients to ensure that we get the best care that we need.
She treats all her patients equally, and she loves what she does. She does it so genuinely, honestly, and empathetically. She is a pleasure to have met, and I love being in her care. She always manages to make me feel better. I love her and want to acknowledge her and give her the recognition that she deserves. We need more nurses like her, and she is definitely rare and one of a kind. I love how she listens to understand us and is the greatest nurse ever.
Nominated by a patient.
Marie Romero, RN
Labor & Delivery
April 2025
I am writing this letter to nominate Marie Romero from the Labor and Delivery Unit for the Daisy Award.
After struggling with infertility, my husband and I were beyond thrilled when we found out we were pregnant this past summer. My world came to a sudden stop when we discovered our baby girl, Berkley, had developed without kidneys and was incompatible with life. My husband and I live in Arkansas, and recent laws made it so I would be forced to carry out my pregnancy unless my life was at risk or my baby passed in the womb.
I have been a nurse for nine years, and my parents are both physicians, so to say we were all terrified would be an understatement. We made the decision to come to Chicago so I could be induced without terminating.
Marie came and got us from the waiting room and took us back to our room. She immediately hugged me and told me how sorry she was that we were going through this. Within five minutes, we were crying together. She instantly made me feel comfortable, giving me autonomy over little things in a setting where so much was out of my control.
When I was terrified of getting an epidural but in so much pain, it was Marie who held me while the doctors placed it. Throughout the day, she listened to stories about our lives and shared her own. It truly felt like we had become friends, and I kept telling my husband how thankful I was to have her.
When my pain was finally under control after my epidural, we thought things would go smoothly from then on. Then I spiked a high fever of 104°F. I was terrified, but Marie remained calm. I asked my dad if he was scared, and he said that if Marie wasn’t scared, we didn’t need to be. They hung antibiotics and gave me Tylenol.
I dreaded the end of Marie’s shift, but she let me know she had decided to stay until 11:00 PM. As a nurse, I know how exhausted you are at the end of a shift— especially after a day like hers. It meant the world to me, and it also meant I would continue to have a 1:1 patient assignment.
Later that night, the doctor came in to check me and said I was ready to push. We were shocked because I hadn’t had much progress. Internally, I was stressed because we had told my parents to get some rest at the hotel. The doctors suggested I start pushing, but Marie stepped in and insisted we call my parents so they could be there. The doctors tried to proceed, but Marie advocated for me because she knew how important it was for my parents to be present.
Shortly after my parents arrived, I was able to see them, and I gave birth to my beautiful Berkley Michelle. She had passed away during the delivery.
During this time, Marie encouraged me, took pictures for us, and helped the other nurse and doctors care for me afterward. She cleaned up my baby, dressed her in the outfit we had chosen, and handed her to me.
When I looked at the clock, it was almost 2:00 AM, and Marie was still there, caring for me. As a nurse, I cannot imagine staying at work that long and enduring the emotional and physical toll that day must have taken on her.
Marie is my angel. She was the answer to my prayers that day. I tell everyone about her, and she has inspired me to provide the same love and compassion to my pediatric patients and their families.
She even called the next day to check on us, making us feel so cared for. I think about her almost daily, and I want her—and everyone—to know she made the hardest day of my life something I can be proud of and remember fondly.
She absolutely deserves to win the Daisy Award. She has truly changed my life, and I will never, ever forget her.
Nominated by a patient.
Tristan Suasin, RN
Nursing Resource Office
February 2025
My son underwent a major surgery that began in the ICU and continued with recovery in a different unit. While we had several wonderful nurses, it was Tristan who truly stood out. He was exceptional in every way. As a worried mom, I stayed by my son's side, and Tristan's warmth, kindness, and reassurance were a comfort to both of us.
My adult son, who typically dreads anything medical—needles, blood, you name it—felt at ease and relaxed in Tristan's care. Tristan was prompt and attentive, always answering my son’s concerns and assisting with every need. They even exchanged stories and shared some laughs. At one point, my son commented that he didn’t feel like he was in the hospital anymore.
Tristan’s attention to detail and patience were unmatched. He followed up with us so often, we ran out of requests! He had an amazing ability to anticipate our needs—whether physical, mental, or emotionally, often before we even realized them ourselves. His care and empathy were truly remarkable.
It was clear how much Tristan loves his job, and that’s a rarity these days. He deserves this award and would make an excellent mentor for new nurses. If they could adopt his energy, attitude, and level of care, the world would certainly be a better place.
Nominated by a patient’s family.
Dawnmarie Cicero, RN
Warryn Valencia-Lim, RN
Emergency Department
January 2025
I would like to recognize two of our nurses for the exemplary care they provided to an ED patient tonight. We received a patient via EMS who was found on the floor of his apartment for possibly six days. Patient arrived awake and alert, but had multiple wounds all over his body; he was covered in stool, urine, and thousands of maggots. Dawnmarie Cicero, RN, and Warryn Valencia-Lim, RN, spent hours in the room cleaning the patient from head to toe, from trimming his fingernails and scrubbing his nails, cleaning his feet, and cleansing his wounds. The odor was overwhelming in the closed room, yet they were delivering this care in such a kind and compassionate manner that you could see the gratitude in the patient's eyes.
I know at times working in the ED we can become cynical and lose sight of the reason we entered the healthcare system, but witnessing the wonderful care they provided to this patient has given me pause to reflect on the role we play in treating the sick and suffering that comes to our department.
In times when we are all quick to send emails to complain about things, I wanted to take the time to recognize these nurses and say how grateful and blessed I am to work alongside them.
Nominated by a UI Health Employee.
Janelle Paguiligan, RN
SCB – Perioperative Servicest
December 2024
I would like to nominate Jannelle Paguiligan, a Staff Nurse in SCB Perioperative Services & Delivery, for the DAISY Award.
Janelle meets the criteria for the DAISY award because of her rapid intuition and amazing ultrasound IV skills that helped improve a critical hypoglycemic patient. This patient was recovering from an eye surgery that had multiple comorbidities and was known to be an extremely hard IV stick. She was ready to go home when the patient became unresponsive, cold, and clammy.
After multiple attempts by anesthesiologists, CRNAs, and experienced nurses, Janelle was able to utilize her vast knowledge and place an ultrasound IV during this critical event. This helped the patient recover from a hypoglycemic crisis in a rapid time and allowed access to medications going forward.
Janelle proves to be a leader within the surgery center here at the Specialty Care Building. She has mentored our nurses in assisting them with the skills to learn how to place ultrasound IVs and continues to provide the best care for our patients. We are honored to have her as a part of our team, and she exemplifies a DAISY nurse.
Nominated by a UI Health Employee.
Jessica Dudley, RN
Labor & Delivery
July 2024
I would like to nominate Jessica Dudley, a Staff Nurse in Labor & Delivery, for the DAISY Award.
I had many nurses the two days I was there in labor. Jessica was the last nurse I had. She was very active, supportive and responsive to my every need. Jessica went above and beyond to make sure I didn’t have to get a C Section after being at 5cm for 12 hours. She even helped me cleanse myself clean when I wasn't feeling my best self.
From the time she came into my room and introduced herself this woman’s energy was a burst of fresh air. I went from spending 28 hours with other nurses at (1-4cm) to 5-6 cm then 10cm with Jessica just in the time frame she was there. She flipped, turned lifted etc., and I am a plus size woman. I'm so grateful to have had her as a nurse. One would have thought she was the doctor, with all the knowledge she had about everything. Thank you so much Jessica for everything and may God continue to bless you. I appreciate you for helping me stay positive through this process you're the best!
Nominated by a patient.
Cindy Duong, RN
PACU
June 2024
I would like to nominate Cindy Duong, a Staff Nurse in PACU, for the DAISY Award.
I had surgery with two teams on the same day, and things ran longer than the surgeons or I had expected for an outpatient procedure. Cindy took great care to ask about my discharge plans, and she realized that the pharmacy would close before I was fully awake from the anesthesia. My ride was also not available yet, so Cindy called and then personally went to the pharmacy to pick my meds up for me. I would otherwise not have had medication to recover at home.
This was all on top of her excellent bedside manner and comforting care. Her compassion and thoroughness really blew me away, especially because she even had the pharmacist work with billing insurance because it was cheaper out of pocket than the copay.
Nominated by a patient.
Isabelle Carmona, RN
7W Organ Transplant
May 2024
I would like to nominate Isabelle Carmona, a Staff Nurse on 7W Transplant, for the DAISY Award.
My wife had a liver and kidney transplant in January 2024. During surgery, she had cardiac complications. When I saw her in the Transplant ICU, she was hooked up to everything. She needed much care and attention. Isabelle gave her that care and attention. I was so impressed and comforted by the skills and care Isabelle was administering. I truly believe my wife is progressing as greatly as she has because of the non-stop care from Isabelle during those first crucial days.
I believe Isabelle is a DAISY nurse and hope she is a recipient of this award!
Nominated by a patient’s family member.
Jamie Bobo, RN
Emergency Room
April 2024
I would like to nominate Jamie Bobo, a Staff Nurse in the Emergency Department, for the DAISY Award.
After a patient had been discharged from the ED, he called and asked to speak with the charge nurse. The patient went on to explain that over the last eight months, he had been to many emergency rooms seeking help and wanted to take the time to commend Jamie for taking the time to truly listen to his concerns. He stated that it was obvious that she cared about him and his outcome. She checked on him constantly to ensure that he had everything that he might need. He ended his compliment by saying, “Jamie did such a great job; she is an excellent nurse.”
Jamie is a welcome member of our team and a great addition. She enters and leaves the department with a smile.
Nominated by a UI Health Employee.
May Dula, RN
6E Stepdown
February 2024
I would like to nominate May Dula for a DAISY award. As far as clinical skill and knowledge, May is one of the strongest nurses I know. She is so knowledgeable and bright, and is able to think and act critically in response to complex situations or changes in the patient’s condition. As far as process, whenever there is a new initiative or process change, I can always count on May to give thoughtful feedback or ideas.
May is meticulous in her practice to maintain compliance with policies, protocols, infection control measures, and quality indicators such as HAPI and fall prevention. She holds her colleagues and physician counterparts accountable and does so in a way that is well-received. During leader rounds with newer nurses, they've said that when I've made mistakes or forgotten something, May takes the time to educate me on the right way of doing something in a way that is respectful and professional.
I can’t speak highly enough of her patient engagement. During patient rounds, not a week goes by that a patient hasn't recognized her for her compassion and ability to relate to her patients. What is specifically impressive is her ability to form a rapport with patients perceived as “difficult”. Many patients have said that her care is not just about medical management but that she takes the time to address their emotional needs, speak with courtesy and respect, and make them feel comfortable in her care - she truly sees them.
I want to provide another example of her leadership and mentorship - we had a new grad RN who was really struggling during orientation. That person was not where he/she needed to be, timeline-wise and clinically. May came to me and she was honest in expressing her frustrations, but she stuck with this person and never gave up on this nurse. She held this person accountable and coached him/her through orientation. I provide this example to convey her resiliency and how dedicated she is to her team, as well as her patients. When she is in charge, she knows what is going on with every patient. For example, if there are patients on heparin drips, PCAs, lumbar drains - she checks in with those nurses to make sure they feel supported, they are following the correct processes and safety checks to ensure the patients are safe and well cared for.
Nominated by a UI Health Employee.
