August 2026 Honoree
Magdalena Salameh, RN
I am honored to commend this extraordinary Nurse for her exceptional clinical judgment, patient advocacy, and unwavering commitment to excellence that directly saved a patient's life.
While serving as the Cardiology Stress Lab Charge Nurse, Magdalena Salameh was reviewing the condition of a patient who was scheduled to undergo a stress test. She recognized that the patient had experienced persistent chest pain, nausea, and vomiting throughout the night with minimal relief from prescribed medications. Demonstrating outstanding critical thinking and attention to detail, she conducted a thorough review of the patient's clinical information and identified an elevated D-Dimer result.
Realizing that no CT scan had been performed, she trusted her assessment and immediately brought her concerns to the Cardiology Nurse Practitioner, who then notified the Cardiologist. A STAT CT scan was ordered, which revealed a life-threatening aortic dissection requiring emergent transfer to a tertiary care center for immediate surgical repair. Although she never personally met the patient, her vigilance, persistence, and willingness to question an overlooked finding significantly changed the course of the patient's life, giving them the opportunity to receive life-saving surgery and a chance at recovery. Her actions transformed what could have been a tragic outcome into a story of hope.
Magdalena exemplifies everything the DAISY Award represents. She combined exceptional clinical expertise with critical thinking, teamwork, and compassionate advocacy to ensure her patient received the right care at the right time. Rather than assuming someone else had already addressed the abnormal finding, she took personal ownership of her patient's safety and spoke up without hesitation. Her actions reflect the highest standards of nursing practice and demonstrate the profound impact one nurse can have on the life of a patient and their family- not only through the care they provide at bedside, but also through the lives they save behind the scenes. Magdalena is a role model for her colleagues, an advocate for every patient she serves, and a shining example of extraordinary nursing.
While serving as the Cardiology Stress Lab Charge Nurse, Magdalena Salameh was reviewing the condition of a patient who was scheduled to undergo a stress test. She recognized that the patient had experienced persistent chest pain, nausea, and vomiting throughout the night with minimal relief from prescribed medications. Demonstrating outstanding critical thinking and attention to detail, she conducted a thorough review of the patient's clinical information and identified an elevated D-Dimer result.
Realizing that no CT scan had been performed, she trusted her assessment and immediately brought her concerns to the Cardiology Nurse Practitioner, who then notified the Cardiologist. A STAT CT scan was ordered, which revealed a life-threatening aortic dissection requiring emergent transfer to a tertiary care center for immediate surgical repair. Although she never personally met the patient, her vigilance, persistence, and willingness to question an overlooked finding significantly changed the course of the patient's life, giving them the opportunity to receive life-saving surgery and a chance at recovery. Her actions transformed what could have been a tragic outcome into a story of hope.
Magdalena exemplifies everything the DAISY Award represents. She combined exceptional clinical expertise with critical thinking, teamwork, and compassionate advocacy to ensure her patient received the right care at the right time. Rather than assuming someone else had already addressed the abnormal finding, she took personal ownership of her patient's safety and spoke up without hesitation. Her actions reflect the highest standards of nursing practice and demonstrate the profound impact one nurse can have on the life of a patient and their family- not only through the care they provide at bedside, but also through the lives they save behind the scenes. Magdalena is a role model for her colleagues, an advocate for every patient she serves, and a shining example of extraordinary nursing.
Thank you, Magdalena, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
View More Honorees