July 2026 Honoree
Kelli Viana, RN
Two stories of exemplary service and devotion to patient care come to mind in the case of Nurse Viana. She is always the first to volunteer to help and goes above and beyond for patient care.
The first was about respect and patient-centered care. While a new surgeon, a patient had a postoperative pneumothorax. The Anesthesiologist instructed the postoperative nurses to get ready to intubate. As the Surgeon and intensivist, I quickly diagnosed the patient and asked staff to prepare a chest tube. Because I was new and relatively unknown, they followed the anesthesiologist's instructions. But Kelli listened; she personally went and collected supplies for me, as well as assisted me, immediately resolving the pneumothorax and saving the patient from intubation. She advocated for both the patient and me. The patient did well and was successfully discharged safely without issue.
The second was that, while 37 weeks pregnant, there was a difficult case requiring a lot of moving back and forth with different equipment. Despite her own personal discomfort, she went above and beyond, going back and forth to the room to get all the necessary equipment for a successful patient outcome. She is truly a team player. Always willing to lend a hand for patient safety and satisfaction.
She embodies the compassion and care for both patients and colleagues that the DAISY Foundation represents. It is my honor and privilege to nominate Nurse Kelli Viana for this prestigious award for these 2 examples and many more.
The first was about respect and patient-centered care. While a new surgeon, a patient had a postoperative pneumothorax. The Anesthesiologist instructed the postoperative nurses to get ready to intubate. As the Surgeon and intensivist, I quickly diagnosed the patient and asked staff to prepare a chest tube. Because I was new and relatively unknown, they followed the anesthesiologist's instructions. But Kelli listened; she personally went and collected supplies for me, as well as assisted me, immediately resolving the pneumothorax and saving the patient from intubation. She advocated for both the patient and me. The patient did well and was successfully discharged safely without issue.
The second was that, while 37 weeks pregnant, there was a difficult case requiring a lot of moving back and forth with different equipment. Despite her own personal discomfort, she went above and beyond, going back and forth to the room to get all the necessary equipment for a successful patient outcome. She is truly a team player. Always willing to lend a hand for patient safety and satisfaction.
She embodies the compassion and care for both patients and colleagues that the DAISY Foundation represents. It is my honor and privilege to nominate Nurse Kelli Viana for this prestigious award for these 2 examples and many more.
Thank you, Kelli, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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