I am nominating "Vangie" Salazar for The DAISY Award not only for the outstanding care she provided to a recent ischemic stroke patient but also for the consistent support she provides to the stroke program at St. Mary's. Vangie recently cared for a 60-year-old man who was visiting Chicago when he suddenly developed expressive aphasia and right-sided weakness. He was very concerned that he would be permanently disabled. He was promptly treated with a potent thrombolytic in the emergency department and admitted to ICU for close monitoring. Vangie's calming demeanor and critical care expertise put the patient and his wife at ease. She was diligent in checking for any neuro changes, monitoring for bleeding complications, and keeping his blood pressure under control- following the protocols to the letter.

Eventually, the patient returned to his baseline and was able to discharge from the hospital to home with his normal speech and strength intact. He and his wife were so grateful and amazed that he was spared from disability due to the timely care that he received from the team. Vangie was a big part of this success story. It is her work as a nurse who educates her coworkers about stroke care, commits herself to excellence, advocates for patients, and works on various quality improvement committees to improve care for all ICU patients, not just the stroke patients. She has consistently supported the stroke program through her dedication to performance improvement activities, patient advocacy, staff education, and even volunteering to help often. Her collaboration, expertise, positive energy, and service as a unit leader in patient care committees absolutely make her one of our most outstanding nurses. Vangie is a tremendous role model for her peers and is an asset to our patients, the ICU, and the hospital in general. She is a true DAISY Nurse.