Patricia King-Valls

We all pursued nursing for different reasons. Thankfully, the vast majority of us entered the profession to satisfy a desire to provide care to others. Still, there are those whose care and compassion for their patients surpass the ordinary. Health & Home Care’s Patricia King-Valls, better known as "Pat," is one of those nurses.

Pat's concern for her patients was once again recently demonstrated in the February 2010 series of "blizzard and severe snowstorms" that closed the entire New York City school system and challenged many home care nurses from their usual day’s work. Pat not only saw all her patients, including those who were non-emergent, and didn’t think twice as she traveled from one end of the borough of Queens to the other. Pat epitomized the concept of "hero," not only to patients who rely upon her for nursing care on those stormy days, but to her co-workers and supervisors who were so impressed with her nonchalant attitude about the weather.

Furthermore, Pat is also helpful as she unselfishly assists her teammates whenever called upon. She is a consistent patient advocate who repeatedly demonstrates caring attitude to all patients. The compassion, empathy, and professional care she provides her patients using "evidence-based practice," is something we all aspire to achieve.

Pat received her Associate Degree in Nursing from the Borough of Manhattan Community College and her BSN from Medgar Evers College. She has been a practicing professional nurse for more than 20 years. She continues to update her knowledge and skills, attending continuing education courses and earning knowledge in many aspects of patient care. For all of the above reasons, this year, we are so proud to honor Patricia King-Valls as the recipient of the  DAISY Award.