Rita is a very experienced and knowledgeable nurse. She recently took care of a physician's husband who was very very sick. He’d been on a vent and multiple drips for a few weeks. The wife, even though being a MD, was very stressed and worried about her husband. If Rita didn't have the patient, the family (wife, mother- in-law) would search for Rita to ask her questions and look for reassurance. Rita always took the time, even if she was busy with her assignment, and talked to them. She would stop over to the patient’s room and check on them. Rita being of Phillipine descent, and the patient being the same, helped them develop a trusting relationship. Rita never said she was too busy to help. She was very patient, compassionate and caring.

Rita is like that with all of her patients. She recently had a young patient (30's) who she had to terminally wean off the ventilator. It was very difficult, but she worked really hard with the patient's family and they really leaned on her. She has a huge heart and is such a wonderful nurse.

I know if I were ever sick, I would be very lucky and grateful to have Rita Garcia take care of me or any of my family members. That's why I think she deserves The DAISY Award. Rita is very compassionate and caring with all her patients and families.