SPAH 3D Stroke Unit
May 2026
SPAH 3D Stroke Unit
Sentara Princess Anne Hospital
Virginia Beach
,
VA
United States
Vicenta Bluitt – Manager, Nursing and Patient Care Services, Acute Care
Megan Adams – Direct Care Registered Nurse
Yasmina Andrades – Patient Care Technician
Timothy Caldwell – Direct Care RN, Traveler
Sheila Cayabyab – Patient Care Technician
Digna Chimilio – Patient Care Technician
Jinkie Consengco – Patient Care Technician
Evelyn Cothran – Direct Care Registered Nurse
Joshua Curry – Direct Care Registered Nurse
Nathaniel Curry – Patient Care Technician
Regina Dechabert – Administrative Associate
Katie Eker – Direct Care Registered Nurse
Theresa Concepcion Fontimayor – Registered Nurse Unit Coordinator
Carmen Gartman – Direct Care Registered Nurse
Kristen Gavin – Patient Care Technician
Kirsten Gaylord – Direct Care Registered Nurse, Traveler
Kelly George – Direct Care Registered Nurse
Jessa Dizon Hardy – Direct Care Registered Nurse
Tracey Iannone – Direct Care Registered Nurse
Emily Kovacs – Direct Care Registered Nurse
Madelyn Leek – Patient Care Technician
Angela M Marchetti – Direct Care Registered Nurse
Erin McAndrews – Direct Care Registered Nurse
Emily McHale – Direct Care Registered Nurse
Cheenee Medina – Direct Care Registered Nurse
Thomas Messa – Direct Care Registered Nurse
Muluye Muluneh – Direct Care Registered Nurse
Cleofe Marie Obaldo – Direct Care Registered Nurse
Marilou C Padilla – Patient Care Technician
Valentine Rachuonyo – Direct Care Registered Nurse
Josielyn Salvador – Administrative Associate
Danielle Stinard – Registered Nurse Unit Coordinator
Natasha Thagard – Direct Care Registered Nurse
Maria Lilyvic Veranga – Patient Care Technician
Tara Young – Direct Care Registered Nurse
Overall, the team’s dedication to excellence is reflected not only in patient outcomes but also in the pride they take in their work and their commitment to delivering the highest standard of care every day.
We work as a team and never leave our wingman behind.

We value our patients and provide the quality care that we can. We always make sure of the safety of our patients, and we provide the quality care each patient needs. Always helping each other with proper communication and supporting the whole team in every situation we have. Our goal is to always provide top-quality care.

Best Unit Ever. Staff are helping each other. We have teamwork in our unit. We are dedicated to providing an exceptional experience and the highest quality of care during the stay. Patient safety, comfort, and overall well-being are at the heart of everything we do. Strong collaboration, effective communication, and a commitment to evidence-based practice result in improved patient outcomes and higher patient satisfaction. Excellence is fostered by a supportive culture, shared governance, and ensuring safe and high-quality care.

3D Staff is very supportive of each other and willing to assist in other departments. This unit has been very resilient and stuck together during the transition of leadership. Under the new leadership, the staff has been working together as a team to improve the quality of care for the patients, and it shows by the improvement of the Patient Experience scores and HAI-free for numerous months.

The 3D Stroke Unit team consistently demonstrates exceptional collaboration and teamwork through interdisciplinary communication and a shared commitment to patient-centered care. Nurses, providers, support staff, and ancillary teams work seamlessly to ensure patients receive timely, coordinated, and compassionate care from admission through discharge. This is evident in the way staff proactively communicate changes in patient status, assist one another during high-acuity situations, and engage families in the plan of care. Even the unit's willingness to pilot the W.A.T.E.R. initiative.

Through leadership rounding and patient feedback, it is clear that the team creates an environment of healing, trust, and reassurance. Patients and families frequently describe the staff as knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely caring. One patient shared that their experience felt like a “vacation,” highlighting the emotional impact of the team’s compassionate approach.

The unit culture promotes positivity, accountability, and mutual respect, which not only improves patient outcomes but also strengthens staff morale and engagement.

The 3D Stroke Unit exemplifies SPAH’s nursing vision by consistently delivering high-quality, evidence-based care while maintaining a strong focus on safety and performance improvement. The team actively supports stroke certification standards, ensuring compliance with clinical protocols such as timely assessments, accurate documentation, and patient education. Nursing excellence is reflected in improved patient satisfaction scores, positive patient comments, and a noticeable increase in staff engagement over the past three months.

The team demonstrates accountability through adherence to performance metrics and quality indicators, including safe patient handling, fall prevention, and skin integrity practices. Additionally, nurses utilize evidence-based practices and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to reduce length of stay and improve discharge outcomes. The unit’s commitment to continuous improvement aligns with NDNQI measures and reinforces a culture of excellence, where nurses are empowered to take ownership of patient outcomes and contribute to system-wide success.

The 3D Stroke Unit demonstrates a high level of excellence in both patient care delivery and professional nursing practice. Staff consistently provide safe, compassionate, and individualized care while maintaining strong clinical competence in stroke management. Patients have recognized the team’s ability to clearly explain care plans, provide reassurance, and maintain a positive and supportive environment throughout their stay. This is verified during leadership rounding.

The team promotes professional nursing practice by fostering a culture of learning, mentorship, and accountability. Nurses support one another, especially novice staff, by sharing knowledge, reinforcing best practices, and encouraging clinical growth. This collaborative approach has led to improved morale, stronger teamwork, and enhanced confidence among staff members.

The team unites to support staffing, personal team member occurrences such as deaths, births, and recognitions. Numerous "We" & DAISY moments have been submitted, which show the collaboration and support for the team.

Overall, the team’s dedication to excellence is reflected not only in patient outcomes but also in the pride they take in their work and their commitment to delivering the highest standard of care every day.

Our team exemplifies collaboration and teamwork every day, making a real difference for patients, families, and staff. Team members communicate seamlessly, step in to assist without hesitation, and support one another during even the busiest shifts, ensuring care is safe, efficient, and compassionate.

We mentor new staff, foster professional growth, and model respect, empathy, and accountability in every interaction. Beyond the unit, we engage with patients’ families and participate in community health initiatives, showing that our teamwork extends beyond direct patient care.

Together, our team creates a positive, supportive environment where patients feel valued, families are reassured, and staff are inspired to provide the highest level of care.

Our team demonstrates the SPAH nursing vision, “We improve health every day through nursing excellence,” through consistent, high-quality care and outstanding outcomes.

We have maintained an incredible record of no healthcare-associated infections for over 779 days, reflecting our commitment to safety, best practices, and meticulous attention to detail. Patient satisfaction continues to improve daily, showing that our compassionate, patient-centered care is making a meaningful difference in the experiences of those we serve. Staff satisfaction is also on the rise, as teamwork, mentorship, and professional support foster a positive work environment.

By excelling in quality metrics, adhering to evidence-based practices, and prioritizing both patient and staff well-being, our unit embodies nursing excellence in action and consistently demonstrates how collaboration, dedication, and expertise improve health every single day.

Our team consistently demonstrates excellence in patient care by providing compassionate, safe, and evidence-based care to every patient. Team members collaborate seamlessly, anticipate patient needs, and respond promptly to changes in condition, ensuring high-quality outcomes.

Beyond bedside care, the team actively promotes professional nursing practice by mentoring new staff, supporting continuing education, and sharing best practices. Each nurse models professionalism, accountability, and clinical expertise, inspiring peers to elevate their practice.

Through this combination of exceptional patient care, ongoing learning, and a commitment to professional growth, our team sets a standard of nursing excellence that benefits patients, families, and the entire healthcare community.

Our unit exemplifies the true spirit of collaboration, respect, and teamwork that the DAISY Award recognizes. We are a diverse group of individuals from many different backgrounds, ages, and walks of life, yet we function as one cohesive team.

The culture on our unit is one of mutual respect, support, and genuine care for one another, which directly translates into the care we provide for our patients and their families.

Team members consistently step in to help one another without hesitation. Whether it is assisting with a difficult patient situation, helping a coworker catch up during a busy shift, or offering emotional support during challenging moments, our staff demonstrates what it means to truly work as a team.

No one is ever alone when facing a difficult situation; there is always someone willing to help.

Over time, our unit has faced significant challenges and periods of change, yet our team has remained resilient. Instead of allowing adversity to divide us, it has strengthened our bond and commitment to one another.

Through growth and change, we have continued to support each other and maintain a positive, collaborative environment. This teamwork makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and their families.

When patients enter our unit, they are cared for by a team that communicates effectively, supports one another, and prioritizes compassionate care. Families often recognize the positive energy and cooperation among staff, which helps them feel confident and comforted during difficult times.

Our unit is more than a workplace; it is a family. That sense of unity and shared purpose allows us to provide exceptional care while supporting each other every day.

Our team demonstrates the SPAH nursing vision by consistently striving to improve patient outcomes through accountability, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. Nurses on our unit take pride in delivering evidence-based care and maintaining high standards that align with key quality initiatives such as NDNQI metrics and patient safety measures.

Team members actively support one another in maintaining best practices, whether it is ensuring safe patient mobility, preventing falls, prioritizing skin integrity, or promoting early patient activity and nutrition. These everyday actions reflect our commitment to improving health outcomes and providing safe, high-quality care.

Communication and teamwork are central to how we practice. Staff members routinely assist each other during busy shifts, step in when colleagues need help, and work collaboratively to ensure that no patient’s needs go unmet.

This shared accountability strengthens our ability to maintain excellent patient outcomes and uphold professional nursing standards.

Through resilience, adaptability, and dedication to continuous improvement, our team consistently demonstrates what it means to improve health every day through nursing excellence.

Our collective commitment to patient safety, quality care, and teamwork allows us to translate this vision into meaningful action at the bedside.

Our team demonstrates excellence in patient care by consistently prioritizing compassion, safety, and professionalism in every interaction. Nurses on our unit take pride in delivering thorough, patient-centered care while supporting one another to ensure that every patient receives the attention and dignity they deserve.

Collaboration is a defining strength of our team. Staff members readily step in to assist colleagues during complex situations, high patient acuity, or busy shifts. This teamwork ensures that care is delivered safely and efficiently while maintaining a supportive environment for both patients and staff.

Our unit also fosters a culture of professional growth and accountability. Experienced nurses mentor newer team members, share knowledge, and promote strong clinical judgment. This collaborative learning environment strengthens our practice and helps maintain high standards of nursing care.

Patients and families frequently recognize the positive environment created by our staff. The respect, communication, and compassion demonstrated by our team help build trust and reassurance during difficult moments.

Through teamwork, professional integrity, and a commitment to excellence, our unit consistently demonstrates outstanding patient care and strong professional nursing practice.