March 2026 Honoree
Corazon Regina Mejia Punsalang, Registered Nurse
Working in the Operating Theatre means placing your trust in the hands of those around you. Every day brings pressure, urgency, and unpredictable situations, making teamwork essential. Regina is one of those exceptional colleagues whose presence brings confidence, calmness, and reassurance to everyone around her.
During a particularly busy on-call night, I witnessed her remarkable dedication firsthand. Despite the demanding workload, Regina remained focused, composed, and fully committed to both the patients and the team. We worked side by side throughout the night, and at no point did she leave a patient unattended or hesitate to support me. Her patience, resilience, and unwavering commitment during stressful situations were truly inspiring.
What makes Regina exceptional is not only her outstanding clinical skills but also her genuine compassion for those around her. She offers guidance without judgment, recognizes when a colleague is overwhelmed, and steps in to help before being asked. Her kindness, encouragement, and willingness to teach create a positive and supportive working environment for everyone.
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As a new nurse in the Operating Theatre, I was extremely nervous and anxious. Regina became my mentor from my very first day. She patiently guided me through every step of the patient journey—from receiving the patient in the Operating Theatre to safely handing over the patient in the PACU.
Even while managing her responsibilities as the circulating nurse, she always took the time to answer every question clearly and patiently, helping me gain confidence in an unfamiliar environment.
Beyond her teaching, Regina is a true patient advocate. She consistently protects patient privacy and dignity while delivering professional, compassionate, and safe care. She communicates respectfully with patients, colleagues, and surgeons alike, earning the trust and respect of everyone she works with.
Her professionalism, integrity, and calm leadership make the Operating Theatre a safer, kinder, and more efficient place. Regina exemplifies the values of the DAISY Award through her compassion, clinical excellence, teamwork, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to patient care. She inspires those around her every day and leaves a lasting positive impact on both her colleagues and the patients she serves.
She is truly an extraordinary nurse and a role model for our profession.
During a particularly busy on-call night, I witnessed her remarkable dedication firsthand. Despite the demanding workload, Regina remained focused, composed, and fully committed to both the patients and the team. We worked side by side throughout the night, and at no point did she leave a patient unattended or hesitate to support me. Her patience, resilience, and unwavering commitment during stressful situations were truly inspiring.
What makes Regina exceptional is not only her outstanding clinical skills but also her genuine compassion for those around her. She offers guidance without judgment, recognizes when a colleague is overwhelmed, and steps in to help before being asked. Her kindness, encouragement, and willingness to teach create a positive and supportive working environment for everyone.
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As a new nurse in the Operating Theatre, I was extremely nervous and anxious. Regina became my mentor from my very first day. She patiently guided me through every step of the patient journey—from receiving the patient in the Operating Theatre to safely handing over the patient in the PACU.
Even while managing her responsibilities as the circulating nurse, she always took the time to answer every question clearly and patiently, helping me gain confidence in an unfamiliar environment.
Beyond her teaching, Regina is a true patient advocate. She consistently protects patient privacy and dignity while delivering professional, compassionate, and safe care. She communicates respectfully with patients, colleagues, and surgeons alike, earning the trust and respect of everyone she works with.
Her professionalism, integrity, and calm leadership make the Operating Theatre a safer, kinder, and more efficient place. Regina exemplifies the values of the DAISY Award through her compassion, clinical excellence, teamwork, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to patient care. She inspires those around her every day and leaves a lasting positive impact on both her colleagues and the patients she serves.
She is truly an extraordinary nurse and a role model for our profession.
Thank you, Corazon Regina Mejia, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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