April 2026 Honoree
Krystal Martinez, RN
Mrs. Krystal Martinez is the nurse every patient hopes for, and every colleague admires — a vigilant advocate whose compassion and expertise change lives every day.
Krystal works as a registered nurse in the Community Care Coordination department at El Paso VHA. Her work is primarily chart-based, not the bedside care commonly associated with DAISY Award nominations. But nursing excellence exists in many forms, and Krystal exemplifies it. In her many years of hands-on care, she built a legacy of compassion; today, she extends that legacy even further through extraordinary dedication in her coordination role.
Her responsibility is to receive consultations from primary care and coordinate them with the appropriate specialty clinic. Recently, her advocacy was on full display when she reviewed a consultation for a Veteran with COPD and noticed a new finding — a deviated trachea — that had been neither addressed by the PCP nor included in the X-ray impression.
Understanding the potential seriousness, she immediately contacted the Veteran, explained the situation in clear and compassionate terms, reviewed warning signs, and advised seeking emergency care if symptoms developed. Her quick action may have prevented a dangerous delay in treatment and truly may have saved a life.
In another example of her vigilance and compassion, Krystal triaged a cardiology consult and, through careful questioning, identified that the Veteran had an immediate need. She contacted the Veteran and confirmed her concern, worked with AMSAs and providers, called multiple clinics to find the soonest availability, and secured a next-day cardiology appointment.
She didn’t stop there — Krystal arranged transportation, coordinated seamlessly across departments, and ensured the patient received direct confirmation to eliminate uncertainty and stress. This isn’t just extra effort; this is making a meaningful difference for a Veteran in need.
As her nursing supervisor commented, “What could have been a complicated, stressful, overwhelming process for the patient became smooth and reassuring because she cared enough to handle every detail.”
A patient recently expressed deep gratitude for the attention she gives “even to the smallest details,” sharing how it made them feel supported and protected. Krystal lives for the relief and sincere gratitude in a patient’s voice when they know she is in their corner.
Krystal’s blend of clinical excellence, proactive problem-solving, and heartfelt compassion ensures her patients feel safe, valued, and truly cared for. She is not only a skilled nurse but a guardian of her patients’ well-being — and she embodies the very spirit of the DAISY Award.
Krystal works as a registered nurse in the Community Care Coordination department at El Paso VHA. Her work is primarily chart-based, not the bedside care commonly associated with DAISY Award nominations. But nursing excellence exists in many forms, and Krystal exemplifies it. In her many years of hands-on care, she built a legacy of compassion; today, she extends that legacy even further through extraordinary dedication in her coordination role.
Her responsibility is to receive consultations from primary care and coordinate them with the appropriate specialty clinic. Recently, her advocacy was on full display when she reviewed a consultation for a Veteran with COPD and noticed a new finding — a deviated trachea — that had been neither addressed by the PCP nor included in the X-ray impression.
Understanding the potential seriousness, she immediately contacted the Veteran, explained the situation in clear and compassionate terms, reviewed warning signs, and advised seeking emergency care if symptoms developed. Her quick action may have prevented a dangerous delay in treatment and truly may have saved a life.
In another example of her vigilance and compassion, Krystal triaged a cardiology consult and, through careful questioning, identified that the Veteran had an immediate need. She contacted the Veteran and confirmed her concern, worked with AMSAs and providers, called multiple clinics to find the soonest availability, and secured a next-day cardiology appointment.
She didn’t stop there — Krystal arranged transportation, coordinated seamlessly across departments, and ensured the patient received direct confirmation to eliminate uncertainty and stress. This isn’t just extra effort; this is making a meaningful difference for a Veteran in need.
As her nursing supervisor commented, “What could have been a complicated, stressful, overwhelming process for the patient became smooth and reassuring because she cared enough to handle every detail.”
A patient recently expressed deep gratitude for the attention she gives “even to the smallest details,” sharing how it made them feel supported and protected. Krystal lives for the relief and sincere gratitude in a patient’s voice when they know she is in their corner.
Krystal’s blend of clinical excellence, proactive problem-solving, and heartfelt compassion ensures her patients feel safe, valued, and truly cared for. She is not only a skilled nurse but a guardian of her patients’ well-being — and she embodies the very spirit of the DAISY Award.
Thank you, Krystal, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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