Andrea Griego wins DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence at San Luis Valley Health
In the atrium of San Luis Valley Health, surrounded by patients, family and coworkers, Andrea Griego received a surprise when she found out she won the DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence. Named this quarter's DAISY Award honoree, Griego joins an exceptional group of nurses, recognized for their compassion, care and nursing excellence.
Nurses can be nominated for the DAISY Award by patients, families or coworkers. Andrea was double-nominated for the DAISY Award by a patient and a coworker who were grateful for her compassion and expertise. One of her expecting patients wrote in their nomination that Griego was her night nurse when her water broke. Andrea was on call that night and quickly went to work. She introduced herself, asked her and her husband a few questions. She made sure waters, juice and ice was stocked up and showed them where everything was. She showed her how the labor ball could help her handle the labor pains. She had answers to all her questions. "How does he latch! How do I know if he latched correctly? Andrea was, "so positive, motivational and cool!" The patient said, "She made me feel so comfortable." She was so grateful that Andrea made birthing and breastfeeding such a positive experience.
A coworker, also, nominated Andrea for the DAISY Award because of the outstanding support she provided not only to the patient, but to her during an incredibly intense situation in the ER. She found herself feeling overwhelmed when Andrea stepped in. Without hesitation, she took the lead with compassion and expertise. What stood out was not just Andrea's clinical knowledge, but the way she ensured the patient feel seen, heard and genuinely cared for. Her coworker commented that, "She's a true Rockstar, and her dedication and compassion absolutely deserve to be recognized!"
Griego works in San Luis Valley Health's Obstetric/Nursery department. Dr. Carmelo Hernandez, the Chief Medical Officer at San Luis Valley Health, which includes the Obstetric/Nursery Department, shared his thoughts on her win, "I have worked with Dre for twelve years and have always been happy to hear that she is taking care of my patients. Her easy-going manner connects and comforts patients as soon as they meet her. Her experience and knowledge is profound in obstetrics. Patients and the entire unit benefit from her expertise. She is a pleasure to work with."
About the DAISY Award:
The DAISY Foundation was established in honor of Patrick Barnes, who passed away due to complications from an autoimmune disease. DAISY is an acronym for “Diseases Attacking the Immune System”. Inspired by the remarkable compassion and dedication of the nurses who cared for Patrick, his family created the DAISY foundation as a way to thank nurses everywhere for the exceptional work they do every day.
Today, the DAISY Award is celebrated by thousands of healthcare organizations around the globe. San Luis Valley Health, which has been recognizing outstanding nurses through the DAISY program since 2022. Award recipients are proudly featured at both Conejos County Hospital in La Jara and the Regional Medical Center in Alamosa. Now, Chavez’s name will be added to this distinguished list of honorees, and her department will display the DAISY Award Honoree banner until the next recipient is announced. To see all of the San Luis Valley Health DAISY Award recipients, you can view the DAISY mural in the Regional Medical Center’s lobby.
San Luis Valley Health is always accepting nominations for the DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence. To nominate a nurse or learn more about the award, please visit our DAISY Award page.