Erin Ibanez De Garayo
September 2025
Erin
Ibanez De Garayo
,
BSN, RN
Inpatient Hematology
City of Hope National Medical Center
Duarte
,
CA
United States
Because of her quick action and steady presence, we were able to deliver critical care when every second mattered.
I would like to recognize Erin for her extraordinary compassion, quick action, and teamwork. When our unit ambassador alerted us to a patient’s heart rate decline, Erin immediately noticed the urgency. She saw the look on my face and, without hesitation, followed me straight into the room. Without asking questions, she began assessing the patient alongside me and immediately started chest compressions while I called the code blue. In a moment when a million things needed to happen at once, Erin’s presence, skill, and calm focus by my side made all the difference.
Despite the challenges we faced, together we were able to bring the patient back, resuscitate her, intubate her, and transfer her safely to the ICU. In the debrief afterward, it was noted that our quick response and the quality of care provided during the code were critical in saving her life. Her actions demonstrated excellence, collaboration, and service with a sense of urgency. Beyond her sharp clinical skills, Erin showed compassion and integrity—not only in caring for the patient, but also in supporting our team and me in a high-stress situation. Because of her quick action and steady presence, we were able to deliver critical care when every second mattered.
Erin also exemplified trailblazing by stepping forward without hesitation, taking initiative, and leading in a critical moment where her actions set the tone for the team’s response. She showed inclusion by working side-by-side with me, reinforcing trust and unity, and ensuring that no one faced the crisis alone. Her ability to make every team member feel supported reflects the very heart of what makes City of Hope extraordinary.
I am eternally grateful for Erin’s professionalism, work ethic, and dedication. I know that I can trust her completely, and I would follow her into any situation we face with patient care because together we make such a strong team. Regardless of whether she wins this award or not, Erin deserves recognition for her outstanding care and the extraordinary support she provides to both patients and coworkers. She truly embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award by being “extraordinary every day” and making a meaningful difference for patients, families, and staff at City of Hope.
Despite the challenges we faced, together we were able to bring the patient back, resuscitate her, intubate her, and transfer her safely to the ICU. In the debrief afterward, it was noted that our quick response and the quality of care provided during the code were critical in saving her life. Her actions demonstrated excellence, collaboration, and service with a sense of urgency. Beyond her sharp clinical skills, Erin showed compassion and integrity—not only in caring for the patient, but also in supporting our team and me in a high-stress situation. Because of her quick action and steady presence, we were able to deliver critical care when every second mattered.
Erin also exemplified trailblazing by stepping forward without hesitation, taking initiative, and leading in a critical moment where her actions set the tone for the team’s response. She showed inclusion by working side-by-side with me, reinforcing trust and unity, and ensuring that no one faced the crisis alone. Her ability to make every team member feel supported reflects the very heart of what makes City of Hope extraordinary.
I am eternally grateful for Erin’s professionalism, work ethic, and dedication. I know that I can trust her completely, and I would follow her into any situation we face with patient care because together we make such a strong team. Regardless of whether she wins this award or not, Erin deserves recognition for her outstanding care and the extraordinary support she provides to both patients and coworkers. She truly embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award by being “extraordinary every day” and making a meaningful difference for patients, families, and staff at City of Hope.