San Luis Valley Health Honors Shaalynn Sanchez, RN, for Extraordinary Compassionate Care
Shaalynn Sanchez adds her name to the DAISY Banner while her daughter, Ella, watches with pride.
San Luis Valley Health is proud to recognize Shaalynn Sanchez, RN, with The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses, a national program honoring the compassion and skill nurses bring to patient care every day.
Shaalynn was nominated by a patient’s family member following a meaningful experience during a hospital stay. The nomination highlights exceptional professionalism, empathy, and dedication to both patient and family during a challenging and emotional time.
The family member shared that due to living out of state, there was a delay in arriving at the hospital and initial communication was marked by frustration and misunderstanding regarding privacy protocols. However, upon arrival, Shaalynn responded to concerns with remarkable calm and professionalism. Rather than reacting defensively, she listened with patience, acknowledged concerns, and took the time to clearly explain care processes, HIPAA requirements, and the patient’s condition.
Throughout the patient’s stay, Shaalynn demonstrated attentiveness and advocacy. She proactively monitored pain levels, especially when the patient was unable to communicate needs due to confusion, ensuring comfort through thoughtful and consistent care. She frequently checked in, utilized appropriate assessment tools, and adjusted care approaches to meet the patient’s needs, making a noticeable difference in comfort and well-being.
Her approach to care reflects her belief in the importance of even the smallest gestures. When asked about receiving the DAISY Award, Shaalynn shared that she was “shocked and excited,” noting that nursing can sometimes feel routine, but moments like this are a powerful reminder that the care provided truly impacts patients and families during vulnerable times. She added that even something as simple as remembering how someone takes their coffee can make a meaningful difference.
The nomination also emphasized her commitment to clear communication. She consistently explained medications, tests, and care plans in a way that was easy to understand, often inviting questions by asking, “What questions do you have?” This was a simple but impactful approach that fostered trust and reassurance.
In addition to clinical excellence, Shaalynn went above and beyond in personal ways. She assisted with bedside care tasks, ensured comfort measures were met, and even provided personal items for patients when supplies were unavailable, purchasing them herself so patients would not go without. She also extended compassion to the family member, offering emotional support during a stressful time and demonstrating kindness despite earlier difficult interactions.
Even when she was not assigned to the patient, she continued to check in, assist with care, and respond to call lights, reflecting a strong team-centered approach. Shaalynn credits this level of care to her colleagues, sharing that she has worked in several healthcare settings and considers this team the best she has ever been part of. She emphasized that everyone supports one another and answers call lights regardless of whose patient it is, which makes a meaningful difference in the quality of care provided.
The family member later shared deep gratitude and regret for their initial interaction, expressing appreciation for Shaalynn’s grace, professionalism, and compassionate care. They described her as someone who truly embodies what it means to care for others, noting that her actions left a lasting impression.
Reflecting on her journey in nursing, Shaalynn shared that there was a time she questioned whether she was suited for the profession due to burnout and high expectations. Through personal growth, she learned the importance of accepting help and caring for herself, which ultimately reaffirmed her passion for nursing. Today, she says she truly loves what she does and feels grateful to play a role in caring for members of the community as part of the San Luis Valley Health team.
SLV Health launched the DAISY Award program in Fall 2022. This national recognition, created by the family of patient J. Patrick Barnes, honors nurses across the country who provide exceptional, compassionate care throughout the patient care journey.
The DAISY Foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away in 1999 from complications of an autoimmune disease. In gratitude for the compassionate care he received, his family created the DAISY Award to honor nurses who make a profound difference in the lives of patients and families.
San Luis Valley Health is proud to celebrate nurses who exemplify clinical excellence and heartfelt compassion. Patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to recognize outstanding nurses by submitting a DAISY Award nomination.
Shaalynn Sanchez's dedication, skill, and compassion exemplify the values at the heart of the DAISY Award. Her recognition stands as a testament to the profound impact nurses make every day, both on their patients and within their teams. SLV Health is proud to celebrate Shaalynn’s achievements and to honor all nurses who go above and beyond in the spirit of caring. To nominate an SLV Health nurse for a DAISY Award, visit https://team.getwell.health/public/rounds/daisy/4416