Monica is a deserving recipient of the DAISY Award; this is demonstrated by her commitment to nursing and to the Eye Surgery Center. She exemplifies dedication to our patients, patients’ families/caregivers, and staff, by going above and beyond, providing compassionate care and excellent communication skills every day, to every patient, every time. Monica has been working at the Eye Surgery Center for the past 26 years, she is an RNIV, and charge nurse in the department, including preop, OR and PACU. She works closely with all staff, including surgeons, RNs, OR scheduling staff, EVS, CSPD, and other building employees, including all ophthalmology departments in Kaiser. She is the liaison for outside REPS coming into dept for microscopes and intraocular lenses. There is not one area in our facility that she does not have a hand in and highly capable working knowledge. Monica has worked on many projects. She has worked tirelessly on CLE (creating lasting change) in Quality and Communication. Other projects include creating workflows for pre-op and OR, to run the unit more efficiently. She created the preference card system for surgeons. She orients all new Ophthalmologists. She created orientation flowsheets for all staff, including RNs, OR techs, CSPD, and Front Desk/OR Scheduling staff. More recently, she has been working on cataract trays, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. But it isn’t all business to Monica. She cares deeply for her staff and coworkers, and it shows and is felt. Just today, Monica took the time to spend with a family member of a patient that was being transferred to the ER. She immediately picked up on the family member's distress, offering assistance and reassurance to alleviate his fears and then getting the answers that he needed. It is here where Monica shines. She seamlessly becomes a compassionate and knowledgeable family friend who guides them through a scary time. Monica truly goes above and beyond every day, she is a role-model for staff. If a question needs answering, then Monica is your person. We are so lucky to have her. Monica embodies an Extraordinary Nurse.