(SALINAS, Calif., May 9, 2025) —Natividad hosted its annual Nursing Excellence Awards today, recognizing the outstanding contributions of its nursing staff. The event celebrated three exceptional nurses who consistently provide extraordinary, compassionate care, as nominated by patients for the prestigious DAISY Award.

This year's DAISY Award recipients are:

Daniele Jorn, BSN, RN, Staff Nurse II, Mental Health Unit

A patient shared, "My nurse provided care at such a low point in my life. She always treated me with respect. She got down at my level when speaking to me, making me feel like we were equal. She was always willing to stop what she was doing and answer my questions."

Brenda Santana, BSN, RN, Staff Nurse II, Acute Rehabilitation Center

A patient remarked on her joyful spirit, stating, "Brenda was very professional and active in her work. She always treats with kindness and helps the patient, and she listens to the patient's needs and finds solutions. She is very joyful and that joyfulness is transmitted to the patients. I feel very fortunate to have been a patient of hers."

Virginia "Maddie" Sciacchitano, BSN, RN, CCRN, Staff Nurse II, Intensive Care Unit

A grateful patient reflected, "The ICU is a busy place, but I felt Maddie went above and beyond helping me on Friday. She was proactive with prompts to see how she could help with medications, comfort, servicing foley, getting a menu to select meals, and she is personable, and got along so well with my family. Best nurse I’ve had in my life of 66 years.”

In addition to the DAISY Award winners, Natividad honored five recipients of the Partners in Caring Award. This award recognizes clinicians who exemplify exemplary teamwork and collaboration with the nursing staff:

Maria Hernandez, Medical Unit Clerk, Cardiology Clinic

Jennie Cobian, Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Surgical Unit/IMC

Noel "Armando" Puga, Health Care Technician, Acute Rehabilitation Center

Ruth Pacheco, Medical Unit Clerk, Emergency Department

Isabel Rodriguez, Licensed Vocational Nurse, Natividad Medical Group

This year's Nurses Week, celebrated May 6-12, 2025, focuses on "The Power of the Nurse" and acknowledges the impact every nursing professional has on patient care at Natividad. The County of Monterey Board of Supervisors honored the dedicated nurses at Natividad and County of Monterey Health Department with a resolution recognizing their vital roles in health care.

Nursing has been the foundation of compassionate healthcare since Florence Nightingale's pioneering work in the 1850s. Today, nurses remain the largest health care profession in the United States and are indispensable to the quality and safety of care provided at Natividad.

The hospital's nurses deliver exceptional care across numerous specialties, from Emergency and Trauma to Labor & Delivery, from its ICUs to our Mental Health Unit and Acute Rehabilitation Center. They demonstrate unwavering commitment to patient safety, comfort and dignity every day.

For more information about nominating a Natividad nurse for The DAISY Award, visit www.natividad.com/daisy

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About Natividad

Natividad is a hospital and trauma center providing compassionate high-quality health care to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. Located in Salinas, Calif., Natividad is a public health care system offering a wide range of inpatient, outpatient, emergency, diagnostic and specialty medical care for adults and children. Founded in 1886, the 172-bed medical center has more than 11,000 admissions and 60,000 emergency visits annually. Home to the area's only Level II Trauma Center, the hospital's specialized personnel, equipment and services provide a vital local community service that saves lives and keeps patients close to home. Natividad's Baby-Friendly® facility delivers nearly 2,400 babies every year and is affiliated with UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals. It also operates an accredited Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, giving the tiniest and most fragile babies the best chance for a healthy start. Through its UCSF-affiliated Natividad Family Medicine Residency, Natividad is the only teaching hospital in Monterey County. For more information, please call (831) 755-4111 or visit www.natividad.com. 

Media Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain, The Buzz PR

marci@thebuzzpr.net | 831-747-7455

Hillary Fish, Director of Marketing & Community Relations

fishh@natividad.com | 831-783-2693