San Luis Valley Health Honors Caitlynn Radlinger with DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence
During the celebrations of Hospital Week, Caitlynn Radlinger, BSN, RN, a nurse at San Luis Valley Health, received a very special honor in a surprise ceremony. Radlinger was named this quarter’s DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence recipient, joining a outstanding group of extraordinary nurses recognized for going above and beyond in caring for their patients.
Celebrating Nursing Excellence
The DAISY Award is based on nominations from patients, families, and co-workers. In Radlinger’s case, the nomination came from a patient’s family member who got to know her while their loved one was under her care. The nomination emphasized Radlinger’s compassion and care, stating that Radlinger, “possesses the unique skill of being able to immediately connect with a patient and the patient’s family members, in a way that makes them feel extremely comfortable and safe.”
The patient’s family member was also impressed by Radlinger’s clinic abilities, stating that, “Not only does she exude confidence, she displays a level of competence that I have rarely seen over the past decade…she has the capability of making patients feel like they are well taken care of!”
Making an Impact, Every Day
Amber Marquez, Director of Nursing for Med Surge and ICU, where Radlinger works, shared her thoughts on Radlinger’s recognition, saying “Caitlynn is known for being kind, compassionate, and always putting patients first. Her positive attitude, attention to detail, and warm presence make a difference every day—and it doesn’t go unnoticed. We’re so lucky to have her on the team!”
Radlinger has been with San Luis Valley since 2024, and according to Marquez, “has been making a big impact ever since. She’s board certified in Medical-Surgical Nursing and wears many hats as both a Charge Nurse on Med Surg and a House Supervisor. Originally from New Jersey, she’s now proud to call the San Luis Valley home.” Her contributions to the organization have been huge, for her patients and coworkers alike.
About the DAISY Award:
The DAISY Foundation was created in memory of Patrick Barnes, who passed away from complications related to an autoimmune disease. The acronym DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. Moved by the extraordinary compassion and care shown by the nurses during Patrick’s illness, his family founded the DAISY Foundation to express gratitude to nurses everywhere.
Today, the DAISY Award is recognized by thousands of healthcare organizations worldwide, including San Luis Valley Health, which has been honoring exceptional nurses through this program since 2022. Every DAISY Award recipient is proudly displayed at both the Conejos County Hospital in La Jara and the Regional Medical Center in Alamosa. Radlinger’s name will now join the roster of past honorees, and her department will also display the DAISY Award Honoree banner until the next award is presented.
San Luis Valley Health is currently accepting nominations for next quarter’s DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence. If you would like to nominate a nurse, or learn more about the award, visit our DAISY Award page.