January 2026 Honoree
Alejandra Garcia 2026, RN
I am honored to recognize Alejandra for the extraordinary compassion, professionalism, and dedication she demonstrated in a situation that may have saved not just one life, but two.
During a routine pre-procedure phone call, Alejandra spoke with a Spanish-speaking gentleman to review his upcoming exam. As a bilingual nurse, she was able to communicate with him in his preferred language, allowing her to truly connect with him and build trust.
In many Spanish-speaking communities, mental health concerns such as depression and suicidal thoughts are often stigmatized or go unspoken. Because Alejandra made him feel heard and safe, he opened up and shared that he was feeling depressed and "wanted to kill himself." Although he did not initially express a specific plan, he did tell her that he was currently at his physician's office.
Alejandra immediately recognized the seriousness of his statements. She ended the call and promptly contacted the physician's office, requesting to speak directly with the doctor. Although she was unable to reach the physician herself, she clearly and urgently communicated to the office staff how important it was that the physician be made aware of the patient's emotional state.
Because of her proactive response and advocacy, the physician was informed before seeing the patient. During the visit, the patient disclosed that he not only had at least two specific plans to end his own life, but was also experiencing homicidal thoughts toward his wife and had developed a plan to harm her as well.
The physician immediately referred the patient to the emergency department for psychiatric evaluation. Thanks to the involvement of the Case Management team, law enforcement also conducted a welfare check on the patient's wife to ensure her safety.
Alejandra's clinical judgment, cultural sensitivity, and compassion made an immeasurable difference that day. Her ability to create a safe space for the patient to speak openly despite cultural barriers, followed by her swift and decisive action, embodies the very essence of nursing.
Alejandra exemplifies our STAR values every day, and this act of courage and compassion deserves recognition at the highest level. She is a shining example of what it means to be a nurse and is truly deserving of the DAISY Award.
***
During a pre-procedure phone call, Alejandra recognized that the patient she was speaking with was expressing suicidal ideation. As the conversation continued, the patient disclosed that he had two specific plans to end his life, as well as homicidal intent toward his wife with a detailed plan.
In a moment of immense concern and clinical responsibility, Alejandra demonstrated extraordinary compassion and sound clinical judgment by taking immediate action to secure assistance for the patient. Her prompt intervention ensured that the appropriate providers were made aware of the situation, allowing the patient to receive the urgent psychiatric care he needed.
Her actions reflect the very essence of patient advocacy and the highest standards of nursing care.
Alejandra is a shining example of what it means to be a caring, compassionate nurse, and I strongly recommend her for the DAISY Award.
***
I am honored to recognize Alejandra Garcia, RN, for demonstrating extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care while assisting a patient experiencing a mental health crisis.
Although I was not working that day, Alejandra later shared the experience with me. Two days before the patient's scheduled stress test, she called to provide his pre-procedure instructions, a routine task completed for all patients. During that conversation, the patient revealed that he was suicidal and was also thinking about harming his wife.
The patient happened to be at DOD at the time, and Alejandra immediately intervened by asking to speak directly with the patient's care team. As a result of her quick action, the patient was connected with the appropriate resources and ultimately drove himself to NMC for further evaluation and care.
When the patient arrived for his cardiology appointment, Alejandra again took the time to speak with him and continued providing support to both him and his family. She demonstrated compassion and remained present during a time when the patient felt hopeless. She advocated for his safety and ensured he was connected with the support and care he needed.
Alejandra's actions demonstrated extraordinary emotional intelligence, outstanding clinical judgment, and genuine humanity.
I truly believe she saved his life.
During a routine pre-procedure phone call, Alejandra spoke with a Spanish-speaking gentleman to review his upcoming exam. As a bilingual nurse, she was able to communicate with him in his preferred language, allowing her to truly connect with him and build trust.
In many Spanish-speaking communities, mental health concerns such as depression and suicidal thoughts are often stigmatized or go unspoken. Because Alejandra made him feel heard and safe, he opened up and shared that he was feeling depressed and "wanted to kill himself." Although he did not initially express a specific plan, he did tell her that he was currently at his physician's office.
Alejandra immediately recognized the seriousness of his statements. She ended the call and promptly contacted the physician's office, requesting to speak directly with the doctor. Although she was unable to reach the physician herself, she clearly and urgently communicated to the office staff how important it was that the physician be made aware of the patient's emotional state.
Because of her proactive response and advocacy, the physician was informed before seeing the patient. During the visit, the patient disclosed that he not only had at least two specific plans to end his own life, but was also experiencing homicidal thoughts toward his wife and had developed a plan to harm her as well.
The physician immediately referred the patient to the emergency department for psychiatric evaluation. Thanks to the involvement of the Case Management team, law enforcement also conducted a welfare check on the patient's wife to ensure her safety.
Alejandra's clinical judgment, cultural sensitivity, and compassion made an immeasurable difference that day. Her ability to create a safe space for the patient to speak openly despite cultural barriers, followed by her swift and decisive action, embodies the very essence of nursing.
Alejandra exemplifies our STAR values every day, and this act of courage and compassion deserves recognition at the highest level. She is a shining example of what it means to be a nurse and is truly deserving of the DAISY Award.
***
During a pre-procedure phone call, Alejandra recognized that the patient she was speaking with was expressing suicidal ideation. As the conversation continued, the patient disclosed that he had two specific plans to end his life, as well as homicidal intent toward his wife with a detailed plan.
In a moment of immense concern and clinical responsibility, Alejandra demonstrated extraordinary compassion and sound clinical judgment by taking immediate action to secure assistance for the patient. Her prompt intervention ensured that the appropriate providers were made aware of the situation, allowing the patient to receive the urgent psychiatric care he needed.
Her actions reflect the very essence of patient advocacy and the highest standards of nursing care.
Alejandra is a shining example of what it means to be a caring, compassionate nurse, and I strongly recommend her for the DAISY Award.
***
I am honored to recognize Alejandra Garcia, RN, for demonstrating extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care while assisting a patient experiencing a mental health crisis.
Although I was not working that day, Alejandra later shared the experience with me. Two days before the patient's scheduled stress test, she called to provide his pre-procedure instructions, a routine task completed for all patients. During that conversation, the patient revealed that he was suicidal and was also thinking about harming his wife.
The patient happened to be at DOD at the time, and Alejandra immediately intervened by asking to speak directly with the patient's care team. As a result of her quick action, the patient was connected with the appropriate resources and ultimately drove himself to NMC for further evaluation and care.
When the patient arrived for his cardiology appointment, Alejandra again took the time to speak with him and continued providing support to both him and his family. She demonstrated compassion and remained present during a time when the patient felt hopeless. She advocated for his safety and ensured he was connected with the support and care he needed.
Alejandra's actions demonstrated extraordinary emotional intelligence, outstanding clinical judgment, and genuine humanity.
I truly believe she saved his life.
Thank you, Alejandra, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
View More Honorees