As a male in my mid-seventies, I have always strived to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. However, towards the end of the 2023 summer, I began to experience some worrisome medical issues. Seeking medical attention I underwent numerous scans and tests that, over time, revealed a serious condition calling for immediate intervention. Therefore, I was admitted to Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach where I was placed on a medical floor.

Later that day a Neurosurgery team conducted imaging tests using fluoroscopy. Those images were enough for the Neurosurgeon to schedule surgery for the following morning. After the imaging tests were completed, I was delayed in recovery. I was informed that I would not be returning to the medical floor, but would instead be admitted to the ICU.

Once there and after a long and arduous day, I was warmly greeted by a young and smiling RN named Yaneivy. I mentioned to her that I was concerned about my personal belongings especially my cell phone and eyeglasses reaching the ICU from the medical floor. She contacted the medical floor and was assured they would be brought to the unit. By 10:30 pm when my items still had not arrived, Yaneivy could see that I was becoming more frustrated and took it upon herself to go personally and retrieve them. It was like a shot of relief and now I could finally calm down and relax.

As she was inventorying and logging my personal items I felt blessed to have this young lady as my nurse. There is little chance of getting much rest in the ICU as throughout the night she was at my bedside to draw blood, start another IV, administer medications, and yes assist me with my nature calls. Come morning as Yaneivy’s shift was ending, transport arrived to take me for my procedure so I thanked her and said goodbye but she replied “No I’m going to escort you.” Reaching the Cath Lab she wished me well and said goodbye. I realized then she felt as much like a friend as a nurse.

Yaneivy is an absolute credit to herself and to the nursing profession. Her dedication, compassion, gentleness, professionalism, and beautiful smile made all the difference for me when it mattered the most. During one of our conversations, she stated “I love my job and what I’m doing.” To me, that was quite obvious as is her willingness to go the extra mile to help someone in need as she did for me. As an expression of my gratitude and because I believe it is truly warranted and deserved, that Yaneivy Chinea receive this DAISY Award. She is most certainly deserving of it.