I've worked with Eli (Maria) for many years at Saddleback and watching her grow has been a joy. She started as a PCT, and she still is just as hard-working, compassionate, and dedicated to the profession of caring for others as she was then. There is never a day Eli comes to work where she is not smiling and greets everyone with an energetic "Hello, hello!" She often tells us, "It's going to be a good day today," and starting a shift with her positive energy sets everyone off on the right foot! 
 
When it comes to professionalism, Eli promotes and advances the profession of nursing in a positive way as a preceptor to nursing students and actively seeks ways to support nurses by being a part of R3 and our unit partnership council. She also collaborates effectively with all levels of healthcare providers. There may be many nurses, but everyone knows Eli's name because she stands out! Students remember Eli for her compassion and work ethic, so much so that many have returned to tell her how much of an impact she had on their nursing journey.
 
Eli exhibits extraordinary compassion and kindness to patients and their families daily as an essential part of the healing process. She has recognized patients' or their loved ones' obvious and subtle needs, has eased the pain, and offered hope in meaningful ways. She takes the time and puts in as much effort as needed to ensure issues are addressed. She doesn't pass the buck, no matter how busy her day is. Eli is a nurse I rarely see standing still during her 12-hour shift. She has integrity and always tries to complete tasks before her shift ends if she can help.
 
Eli is a dynamic nurse and goes above and beyond. She seeks out opportunities to serve patients, families, and colleagues. Eli volunteers her personal time and resources to support our local community through volunteering at health fairs, walking to spread awareness regarding different diseases, and encouraging blood donations for our blood bank! As an active member of our unit partnership council, she follows through on projects to completion, which helps our unit be the best it can be! Eli also picks up extra shifts when we are short, not because of the money but because she knows what it feels like to work shorthanded. She truly cares about the people she works with.
 
Eli is an excellent critical thinker and cautious in her practice. She has many Perfect Catch submissions because she does not just go through the motions. She is actively engaged in her practice and never hesitates to ask questions. She listens to her instinct, which has helped to keep our patients safe.
 
Eli doesn't have just some of the qualities of a DAISY Nurse; she has them all! She has interpersonal skills, compassionate characteristics, excellent assessment skills and decision-making capabilities, and outstanding clinical and educator skills. She collaborates well with the patient care team and, most importantly, is always focused on patient and family-centered care. I'm so grateful to have her on our team, she is a true DAISY Nurse.