Elizabeth Martinez

Elizabeth Martinez, RN, learned that she had become the latest DAISY Award recipient at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles early in the morning on Oct. 8. A crowded office filled to the brim with Liz’s friends and co-workers tried to maintain a hushed silence as Liz turned the doorknob. Then, a rush of cheers and a surprised, happy DAISY nurse emerged through the door.

Liz now joins the many other nurses across the United States and internationally who have been honored each month with this prestigious national award. She received the Healer’s Touch statue, a living daisy plant, a DAISY Award pin, a certificate and the praise of her co-workers. A staff member also made a beautiful daisy plant constructed of paper flowers – each inscribed with a personal note to Liz from her many friends.

Since every nurse who receives The DAISY Award reminds us that her/his entire team is deserving of recognition and that it takes a team to provide great patient care, all the nurses and staff in the recipient’s unit are treated to Cinnabon® cinnamon rolls at each presentation.

Liz’s nominator had these special things to say about her: “About a month ago, a Radiology patient’s mother left a voicemail comment about Liz. The voicemail was nearly three minutes long. It started off a little rough; the appointment time was miscommunicated, the family arrived too early and had to wait what seemed like forever. The mom said that by the time she made it to the Radiology nurses’ station, she thought she was going to lose it. But she didn’t. Why? A kind nurse smiled and said that she was sorry for the mix-up and asked what could she do to help the family.

"Liz’s smile and acknowledgement melted the mother’s frosty demeanor and diffused the anger instantly. The message went on to praise Liz for her patience, understanding and attentiveness. The parent stated that even on the drive home, in traffic, the good feeling Liz left the family with persisted. Liz had turned what was looking to be a family destined for a bad experience into a family so happy that LA traffic didn’t seem to faze them. Maybe ‘miracle worker’ should be added to the list of Liz’s attributes.”