January 2023
Christina M
Luby
,
RN
Medical/Surgical Acute
Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego
San Diego
,
CA
United States
Christina embodies the heart of patient advocacy. She does not give up on people. She meets resistance with empathy, fear with patience, and complexity with intelligence.
Christina Luby is the recipient of the DAISY Award because she combines intelligence, intuition, and deep compassion to advocate fiercely for her patients, especially those who are often the most challenging or vulnerable. Her ability to build meaningful trust transforms difficult situations into moments of safety and healing.
Christina is known for taking the time to truly know her patients. She creates authentic connections even before being prompted, allowing her to understand their fears, behaviors, and needs on a deeper level. Because of this, she becomes a powerful advocate, particularly for patients others may struggle to reach. Multiple disciplines have recognized her impact, reaching out to express how she improves the patient experience and elevates teamwork.
While floating on another unit, Christina noticed a subtle change in a 70-year-old patient who was preparing for discharge. Trusting her instincts, she escalated concerns to leadership and the medical team. The patient was placed on telemetry and remained hospitalized for further evaluation — a decision later praised by the resident physician, who was impressed by her keen clinical eye. Her vigilance prevented a potentially dangerous discharge and demonstrated her commitment to patient safety above routine workflow.
Colleagues also highlight Christina’s gift for de-escalation. An occupational therapist wrote that Christina treats every patient with dignity regardless of medical or social history, advocating equally for all and ensuring patients feel safe at the bedside. That same trust was evident when she cared for a patient known for aggressive behavior who refused a medically necessary central line removal. Rather than escalating to security, Christina stayed present, communicated calmly, and earned the patient’s trust — allowing the procedure to be completed safely without force.
Christina embodies the heart of patient advocacy. She does not give up on people. She meets resistance with empathy, fear with patience, and complexity with intelligence. Her actions protect patient dignity while ensuring high standards of care. Christina’s work reflects the highest ideals of nursing and the true spirit of the DAISY Award.
Christina is known for taking the time to truly know her patients. She creates authentic connections even before being prompted, allowing her to understand their fears, behaviors, and needs on a deeper level. Because of this, she becomes a powerful advocate, particularly for patients others may struggle to reach. Multiple disciplines have recognized her impact, reaching out to express how she improves the patient experience and elevates teamwork.
While floating on another unit, Christina noticed a subtle change in a 70-year-old patient who was preparing for discharge. Trusting her instincts, she escalated concerns to leadership and the medical team. The patient was placed on telemetry and remained hospitalized for further evaluation — a decision later praised by the resident physician, who was impressed by her keen clinical eye. Her vigilance prevented a potentially dangerous discharge and demonstrated her commitment to patient safety above routine workflow.
Colleagues also highlight Christina’s gift for de-escalation. An occupational therapist wrote that Christina treats every patient with dignity regardless of medical or social history, advocating equally for all and ensuring patients feel safe at the bedside. That same trust was evident when she cared for a patient known for aggressive behavior who refused a medically necessary central line removal. Rather than escalating to security, Christina stayed present, communicated calmly, and earned the patient’s trust — allowing the procedure to be completed safely without force.
Christina embodies the heart of patient advocacy. She does not give up on people. She meets resistance with empathy, fear with patience, and complexity with intelligence. Her actions protect patient dignity while ensuring high standards of care. Christina’s work reflects the highest ideals of nursing and the true spirit of the DAISY Award.