Honoring extraordinary nursing: Vanessa Ambriz receives DAISY Award

Earlier this week, Christine Williams, Chief Nursing Executive, presented Vanessa Lluvia Ambriz, RN, BSN, CCRN, Tower 7 MSICU Gold, with a DAISY Award. Earlier this week, Christine Williams, Chief Nursing Executive, presented Vanessa Lluvia Ambriz, RN, BSN, CCRN, Tower 7 MSICU Gold, with a DAISY Award. Vanessa was recognized for the extraordinary care she provided to a young Hispanic patient and his mother. Her actions were a shining example of how cultural humility, advocacy, and compassion can transform the patient and family experience. Through her ability to build trust and honor their dignity, Vanessa profoundly impacted both their care journey and outcomes.

Below is a summary of the nomination:

This Daisy Award nomination recognizes Vanessa Ambriz for the extraordinary way she cared for a young Hispanic patient with multiple chronic illnesses and his mother. In a state where 40% of the population is Hispanic, but less than 10% of nurses share that background, Vanessa’s cultural humility, language skills, and ability to build trust made a profound difference in this family’s experience. Research shows that Spanish-speaking families are often less empowered to ask questions during care. By connecting with the mother in her own language and honoring her concerns, Vanessa ensured that her voice was heard and respected.

From the very beginning, Vanessa created a safe and welcoming environment for the family. She prepared the patient’s room thoughtfully, spoke directly to the mother in Spanish, and listened as she described past frustrations with care. Vanessa reassured her that this time would be different and that she would be included in every step of the plan. When the patient’s condition worsened, requiring intubation and later proning, Vanessa guided the mother through each step in both English and Spanish. Even when the mother couldn’t be at the bedside, Vanessa made sure she felt included and informed.

Over the course of a difficult hospitalization, Vanessa not only provided clinical excellence but also education and advocacy. She explained complex procedures such as tracheostomy in a way the mother could understand, supported her through training with the trach team, and ensured interpreters and respiratory therapists were consistently available. By reinforcing knowledge and empowering the mother to ask questions, Vanessa helped her grow confident in caring for her son, both in the hospital and at home.

In the end, the patient was discharged with improved outcomes and a mother who felt equipped, supported, and respected. This experience highlights how one nurse can change the trajectory of care for an entire family. Vanessa’s actions reflect the power of cultural humility, trust, and advocacy in nursing. Her dedication, compassion, and purposeful care exemplify the values of UC Davis Health and make her truly deserving of the Daisy Award.

Congratulations, Vanessa, on your DAISY Award!

About the DAISY Award:
The DAISY Award is part of The DAISY Foundation, an international program dedicated to recognizing nursing excellence. Established by the Barnes family in memory of their son, Patrick, the award honors the exceptional, compassionate care Patrick received from nurses during his eight-week hospitalization. To express their gratitude, the family created the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, celebrating the remarkable and often unsung work nurses perform every day at the bedside.