December 2025
Renel
Zezima
,
RN
8A Medical ICU
Loma Linda University Medical Center
Loma Linda
,
CA
United States
She is not only an exceptional nurse leader — she is the heart of our unit.
If any leader embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award, it is Renel. As the long-time manager of our Medical Intensive Care Unit, Renel has led with strength, empathy, and unwavering dedication. She is not only an exceptional nurse leader — she is the heart of our unit. Her leadership is one of the primary reasons I choose to work where I do, and I know many of my colleagues feel the same.
Renel genuinely cares for her staff — not just as nurses and PCAs, but as human beings. She creates a culture where people feel seen, supported, and valued. She takes the time to get to know us personally, encourages our professional growth, and consistently acknowledges our accomplishments. Whether it's standing up for a nurse in a difficult situation or celebrating someone’s new certification or accomplishment, she makes it clear that she is invested in our success and well-being.
She also understands that life outside of work is complex. Many of us are juggling families, children, or further education — and Renel is always flexible and compassionate when it comes to scheduling or unexpected needs. I’ll never forget a time when I had to call out sick for an entire week because my son and I contracted RSV. Renel didn’t just note the absences or check in for policy's sake. She reached out with a heartfelt message: “I noticed you’ve been out all week; that’s unlike you. Are you okay? Do you need anything?” That message wasn’t about work — it was about care. And in that moment, it meant everything.
What also sets Renel apart is her willingness to step in and help. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when our unit was critically short-staffed, she didn’t stay in her office. She came out onto the floor, giving nurses breaks, helping wherever she could. She models servant leadership in the most authentic way.
Even in moments of correction or feedback, Renel leads with a desire to educate, not punish. When a mistake is made, her approach is calm, constructive, and focused on improvement. She sees errors not as failures, but as opportunities to learn and ensure better outcomes for our patients and staff alike.
Renel is the kind of manager every nurse hopes to work for: compassionate, supportive, hands-on, and fiercely loyal to her team. She has built a culture of trust and excellence that makes this unit not only a great place to work but a place to grow and thrive.
Renel exemplifies everything the DAISY Award represents. It is with deep gratitude and admiration that I nominate her for this honor. She truly is one of the best nurse leaders I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. She embodies the hospital's motto, "to make man whole," in her style of leadership. As Renel approaches retirement, I know her absence will be deeply felt by all of us who have been fortunate to work alongside her. Her leadership and compassion have left an unforgettable mark on our unit.
Renel genuinely cares for her staff — not just as nurses and PCAs, but as human beings. She creates a culture where people feel seen, supported, and valued. She takes the time to get to know us personally, encourages our professional growth, and consistently acknowledges our accomplishments. Whether it's standing up for a nurse in a difficult situation or celebrating someone’s new certification or accomplishment, she makes it clear that she is invested in our success and well-being.
She also understands that life outside of work is complex. Many of us are juggling families, children, or further education — and Renel is always flexible and compassionate when it comes to scheduling or unexpected needs. I’ll never forget a time when I had to call out sick for an entire week because my son and I contracted RSV. Renel didn’t just note the absences or check in for policy's sake. She reached out with a heartfelt message: “I noticed you’ve been out all week; that’s unlike you. Are you okay? Do you need anything?” That message wasn’t about work — it was about care. And in that moment, it meant everything.
What also sets Renel apart is her willingness to step in and help. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when our unit was critically short-staffed, she didn’t stay in her office. She came out onto the floor, giving nurses breaks, helping wherever she could. She models servant leadership in the most authentic way.
Even in moments of correction or feedback, Renel leads with a desire to educate, not punish. When a mistake is made, her approach is calm, constructive, and focused on improvement. She sees errors not as failures, but as opportunities to learn and ensure better outcomes for our patients and staff alike.
Renel is the kind of manager every nurse hopes to work for: compassionate, supportive, hands-on, and fiercely loyal to her team. She has built a culture of trust and excellence that makes this unit not only a great place to work but a place to grow and thrive.
Renel exemplifies everything the DAISY Award represents. It is with deep gratitude and admiration that I nominate her for this honor. She truly is one of the best nurse leaders I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. She embodies the hospital's motto, "to make man whole," in her style of leadership. As Renel approaches retirement, I know her absence will be deeply felt by all of us who have been fortunate to work alongside her. Her leadership and compassion have left an unforgettable mark on our unit.