The Sue and Bill Gross School of Nursing at UC Irvine celebrated a milestone on Monday, June 17, with its inaugural DAISY award ceremony, honoring exceptional nurses who embody compassion and excellence in patient care. The DAISY Award, established by The DAISY Foundation in 1999, recognizes nurses for their extraordinary contributions to healthcare.
One of the honorees was Philippe Pierre Trajano, a dedicated clinical nurse at UCI Medical Center, who received the DAISY award for Extraordinary Nurse Educator. Trajano, known for his unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of nurses, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition.
“To me, receiving the DAISY award is one of the greatest honors as a Nurse,” said Trajano. “The nomination alone assures me that I have positively impacted the experience of at least one student, who will go on to touch the lives of many in need. I hope to continue growing as an educator to share my knowledge and inspire new nurses.”
In addition to his role in the Emergency Department, where he handles trauma care, ER bedside assistance, and triage coordination, Trajano serves as a clinical preceptor to new graduate nurses and transition of care nurses from various departments. His diverse experience makes him a particularly qualified candidate for guiding nursing students as they pursue their future careers within the healthcare industry.
Maryam Adewunmi, a recent graduate of UC Irvine’s Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN), also received the DAISY award for Extraordinary Student. “The DAISY award came as a huge surprise, and I feel incredibly honored to have been recognized,” said Adewunmi. “This award acknowledges not just me, but my family, friends, and educators who have supported me. It also honors the patients and families who encouraged me to keep striving to be a nurse.”
Adewunmi said her time at UC Irvine equipped her with the necessary skills and confidence to pursue her passion for nursing, particularly in maternal and women’s health, and her commitment to delivering compassionate care and fostering meaningful connections with her patients.
“The strong theoretical foundation and practical curriculum at UC Irvine prepared me exceptionally well for the challenges of healthcare,” Adewunmi added. “I am dedicated to lifelong learning and aim to specialize in a field that aligns with my interests, all while advocating for healthcare access and making a positive difference in my community.”
For more information about The DAISY Award and the Sue and Bill Gross School of Nursing at UC Irvine, visit www.nursing.uci.edu/the-daisy-award.
Leave A Comment