Connect

Learn how Chelsea Lopez's "calm, steady presence made an incredibly high-stakes situation feel controlled and coordinated."

A UVA Health University Medical Center resident is lauding a nurse for bringing "exceptional, clinical skill and genuine, wholehearted compassion to every single shift."

And for that and more, the Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) is honoring Chelsea Lopez, BSN, RN, with a DAISY Award.

University Medical Center Associate Chief of Business Operations Kathryn King Perkinson, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CEN, and DAISY Award Committee Vice Chair Amelia McNabb, BSN, RN, CRRN, surprised Chelsea Lopez, BSN, RN, with the award! 

Sunny Murthy, MD, nominated Lopez:

"As a resident who had the privilege of working many nights alongside Chelsea in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, I witnessed firsthand what extraordinary nursing looks like. Chelsea is one of those rare nurses who brings both exceptional, clinical skill and genuine, wholehearted compassion to every single shift.

"One night in particular stands out. We were caring for a critically ill patient who was rapidly decompensating — the kind of moment that tests everyone in the room. What struck me was not just how well Chelsea performed — but how she performed. Our communication was seamless, proactive measures happened with ease — and her calm, steady presence made an incredibly high-stakes situation feel controlled and coordinated.

"That calmness was contagious in the best possible way. Chelsea had everything under control on her end, and I was able to stay calm myself and focus entirely on the etiology [root cause of an illness or medical condition] and further escalation of care, with complete confidence that everything that needed to happen was already happening because of her communication and deep understanding of critical care. She is an extraordinary person and nurse to have on a team!

"That night was a reflection of who Chelsea is every day. She practices closed-loop communication, knows exactly when and how to escalate, and cares for her patients as if they were her own family — not because it is required, but because that is simply who she is: responsive, deeply present, and an incredible team player. Her patients are extraordinarily lucky to have her, and so is everyone who gets the opportunity to work with her. Chelsea Lopez embodies everything the DAISY Award stands for!"

Know a Fabulous Nurse?

NPGO honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center nurses each month with the DAISY Award.

"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.