DAISY Award

Nicole Walton, RN, BSN

East 8 Med/Surg Specialty Unit

Nicole is a kind, compassionate nurse who always has her patients' health, safety and well­ being in mind while working at UC Davis. She goes above and beyond to ensure that her patients' medical, physical and emotional needs are satisfied during their hospital stay. She goes out of her way to  make her patients' experiences at UC Davs as positive as possible and is highly regarded by her fellow staff for her selflessness and willingness to help other nurses on the unit.

Nicole never shies away from a challenge, and she works well with diverse patients. During her time on East 8,Nicole signed up to take care of a patient who has now been on our unit for over 115 days. This gentleman has a history of psychiatric and behavioral problems, which result in him being violent and combative at times. Despite this patient's history of aggression and behavioral outbursts, Nicole enjoys working with him. Over the past several months, Nicole has established a good rapport with this individual. He has grown to trust her and seems to be more calm and redirectable under her care. When this gentleman grows paranoid and agitated, Nicole knows how to reorient him and get him back to bed peacefully. She provides him with emotional support and a safe outlet to air his frustrations. .Nicole is truly inspiring and she is a huge asset to our East 8 team!

About the DAISY Award

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses recognizes outstanding members of the nursing community and the very special work they do every day. It was established by the DAISY Foundation in memory of the extraordinary nursing J. Patrick Barnes received when he was hospitalized. (DAISY is an acronym for diseases attacking the immune system.) This nursing recognition award program offers patients, families, and professional colleagues a way to honor nurses for all they do. The DAISY awardees consistently demonstrate excellence through their clinical expertise and extraordinary compassionate care.