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Learn how Wilmer Hernandez jumps in and expedites care for critically and acutely ill patients — all with a professional and upbeat attitude.

The Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center nurses each month with a DAISY Award. Associate Chief Nursing Officer Veronica Brill, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, and DAISY Award Committee Chair Crystal Richard, BSN, RN, CCRN, surprised Wilmer Hernandez, RN, 5 West, with an award.

Ryan Martin, RN, Medical Emergency Team (MET) nominated Hernandez:

"A MET nurse knows just like any other nurse that one night shift can be wildly different than another. Some weeks, it seems like the only consistency is the lack thereof. Yet ... a surprising stretch of shifts. One night, MET was dispatched to a distraught and medically complex patient who needed urgent CT imaging completed. Not only was there a language barrier, but the patient also was newly trached and unable to speak.

"As a series of unfortunate events unfolded in which we thought the patient was experiencing new chest pain, an emotional response from the patient and family members increased tension in the room. Since translators were unable to hear from the patient, 5W was called to see if they had anyone who could help. I was delighted to see Wilmer come to the bedside on a unit other than his own.

"He was able to communicate effectively with a stressed patient and concerned family members — all the while remaining calm and professional himself. Wilmer defused the tension in this emergency and allowed the patient a moment of peace as she had a team member at her bedside who could not only understand her, but help express her ideas to those around her in a moment of uncertainty.

"The next night, I was dispatched to an automated vital sign alert on 5W. This patient was just transferred from the Emergency Department (ED) and was also a rather complex patient situation. The patient's HR was sustained above 150 and was given haldol in the ED for behavioral issues. Coincidentally, the patient did not have any IV access.

"I began gathering supplies to establish an IV and Wilmer asked if he was able to try since he had recently taken the IV class here at UVA Health. I was able to delegate this task to Wilmer while I prepared to collect some STAT lab specimens. Wilmer was able to secure a 20 gauge IV in seconds and assisted me in lab draws.

"While this may individually be seen as a small task, it is but a trend in what I have seen in Wilmer. We are both on the night shift weekend program, so we are able to work with each other fairly frequently. When there are MET interactions on 5W, Wilmer has the choice to lay low and do his required tasks for his patient assignment. Yet, he makes the alternative choice of jumping in, getting hands-on experience with critically and acutely ill patients, self-delegating tasks in order to expedite care — and does this all the while having a professional and upbeat attitude.

"He does this on his own unit every shift and evidently is able to do so on other units when needed in emergencies! I am very excited to see where Wilmer's nursing career takes him. I also would like to thank him for embodying the nursing spirit we should all aspire to have."

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"DAISY" stands for "Diseases Attacking the Immune System." The DAISY Award was established by The DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of only 33 of an autoimmune disease. The Barnes Family was awestruck by the clinical skills, caring, and compassion of his nurses, so they created this national award to thank nurses everywhere.

At UVA Health University Medical Center — patients or their families, visitors, and team members may submit a DAISY Award nomination.