Kevin Valenzuela
January 2025
Kevin
Valenzuela
,
BSN, RN
Unit C
City of Hope
Duarte
,
CA
United States
When physical therapy wasn’t available to help my dad take his first walking steps in weeks (because PT was limited on the weekend), Kevin took it upon himself to make it happen.
I want to nominate Kevin from Unit C for the DAISY Award because of the extraordinary care and attention he gave to my dad and our family. From the moment Kevin stepped into the room, it felt like we had someone truly on our side. He treated my dad like he was his own father, with such kindness, patience, and respect.
I tend to ask a lot of questions about my dad’s care, and Kevin never once seemed annoyed or rushed. Instead, he calmly explained everything—every medication, every dosage, and every reason why it was being given. And every time, he made sure I understood the trends in my dad’s oxygen levels and other key data. When I brought up the fact that some X-rays and CT scans weren’t showing in the MyCityofHope app, Kevin went above and beyond. He didn’t just suggest I talk to the doctor—he printed out a medical release form, pre-filled it with my dad’s information, and attached a label to make it easier for me. The next day, he followed up not once but twice to make sure I’d submitted it and to see if I needed help. That level of care and follow-through was so thoughtful and unexpected.
What really stood out to me was Kevin’s proactive and trailblazing approach to care. When physical therapy wasn’t available to help my dad take his first walking steps in weeks (because PT was limited on the weekend), Kevin took it upon himself to make it happen. He got all the equipment ready—the tubes, machines, oxygen tank, and even arranged for someone to follow with a wheelchair—just so my dad could take a walk down the hallway. It wasn’t his job, but he made it his responsibility because he cared that much about my dad’s recovery.
Even with small concerns, like my dad coughing a little more than usual, Kevin made sure to document them and pass them along to the doctor. He took every detail seriously, and that gave me so much peace of mind during such a stressful time.
Kevin’s compassion, integrity, and ability to think outside the box made a huge difference for us. He’s the kind of nurse who doesn’t just do his job—he goes above and beyond in every possible way. We are so thankful for him.
I tend to ask a lot of questions about my dad’s care, and Kevin never once seemed annoyed or rushed. Instead, he calmly explained everything—every medication, every dosage, and every reason why it was being given. And every time, he made sure I understood the trends in my dad’s oxygen levels and other key data. When I brought up the fact that some X-rays and CT scans weren’t showing in the MyCityofHope app, Kevin went above and beyond. He didn’t just suggest I talk to the doctor—he printed out a medical release form, pre-filled it with my dad’s information, and attached a label to make it easier for me. The next day, he followed up not once but twice to make sure I’d submitted it and to see if I needed help. That level of care and follow-through was so thoughtful and unexpected.
What really stood out to me was Kevin’s proactive and trailblazing approach to care. When physical therapy wasn’t available to help my dad take his first walking steps in weeks (because PT was limited on the weekend), Kevin took it upon himself to make it happen. He got all the equipment ready—the tubes, machines, oxygen tank, and even arranged for someone to follow with a wheelchair—just so my dad could take a walk down the hallway. It wasn’t his job, but he made it his responsibility because he cared that much about my dad’s recovery.
Even with small concerns, like my dad coughing a little more than usual, Kevin made sure to document them and pass them along to the doctor. He took every detail seriously, and that gave me so much peace of mind during such a stressful time.
Kevin’s compassion, integrity, and ability to think outside the box made a huge difference for us. He’s the kind of nurse who doesn’t just do his job—he goes above and beyond in every possible way. We are so thankful for him.