E is a former micro-preemie born at the Pavilion. E was intubated practically from birth until four months old. She self-extubated in NICU multiple times along with an OG tube (until she learned to push it out), resulting in an NG tube for feedings.  

Nurse Val deserves a DAISY Award for endless reasons. Early in E's NICU stay, we identified Val as an extraordinary nurse. She has a very calm demeanor and a reassuring bedside manner. I have observed Val as a leader in her area, and also well respected. I have observed her assisting her colleagues unprovoked, and her foresight helps her to anticipate forthcoming tasks needing to be done. She is a leader and is respected by her colleagues because they often came to her for advice or assistance and seemed to take her knowledge to heart. She is also a wonderful patient advocate. Her medical knowledge and experience were shown not only in rounds but in helping my husband and I navigate this journey. Val walked us through every step and patiently explained what all of the machines, alarms, and equipment meant and the reason they were necessary. She also advocated for E when she exhibited signs to wean her oxygen or remove IVs no longer being used.

Val's foresight and attention to detail also prevented E from completely removing the breathing tube when she was trying to extubate herself. Val's quick action helped a serious situation from escalating. As E began to develop to stages that allowed her to be out of bed, Val was diligent in finding her a MamaRoo and mobile. She would sit her in it and would play with her when we couldn't be there. Val would comfort my baby and at times, it seemed like E favored her more than me, but Val has a magic touch about her that would calm her when no one could. She helped me not be afraid of holding, touching, or caring for my baby. In essence, Val showed me how to mother E in small ways that I still do now. I know that these things may seem like small things but to a woman who struggled to get pregnant for closer to a decade, these things mean the world. My daughter is my life. I never expected this when I finally had a baby. Val was not only there for my baby but she was there for my husband and me. She held our hands through the roughest time in our life when we feared every day for our baby's life. When my maternity leave was over and I had to go back to work, I truly felt comfortable and relaxed knowing Val was taking care of her. I trust her and knew E was in great hands. For me, this made the difference because it gave me peace of mind to be able to go back to work and know that Val would give me a detailed report-out. At the end of the day, when I think of Texas Children's Hospital and its reputation, I think of caring and compassionate nurses like Valeria. In my opinion, Valeria is the type of nurse you want representing this organization for families and the type of nurse as an example for other clinical staff. For me, she made this time bearable and a little easier, and for that, we are eternally grateful.