Darian Alfaro
June 2026
Darian
Alfaro
,
BSN, RN
Labor and Delivery
Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center and Orthopaedic Hospital
Santa Monica
,
CA
United States
She held my hand, comforted me, and helped me stay grounded when I felt overwhelmed.
I would like to nominate an incredible nurse who showed me extraordinary kindness and compassion during the birth of my first child. As a first-time mom, I was nervous and unsure of what to expect, but she made me feel safe, informed, and genuinely cared for from the moment she walked into my room.
She was patient with me in every way—she explained each step of the process, made sure I understood what was happening, and answered every question I had without hesitation or judgment. Her calm, reassuring presence made such a difference, especially during one of the most difficult moments of my labor.
I had a traumatic experience receiving my epidural. What should have been a routine 20-minute procedure ended up lasting over an hour, with multiple failed attempts to enter. My back is still bruised and sore today, 3weeks later. It was painful, confusing, and frightening. Through all of it, she never left my side. She held my hand, comforted me, and helped me stay grounded when I felt overwhelmed. Her gentleness and empathy kept me steady during that moment.
I will never forget the way she cared for me—not just as a patient, but as a person. Her compassion turned a traumatic experience into one I could get through, and I truly believe my birth experience would have been entirely different without her. She embodies everything a nurse should be, and I am deeply grateful for the comfort, patience, and strength she gave me on one of the most important days of my life. She absolutely deserves the DAISY Award.
She was patient with me in every way—she explained each step of the process, made sure I understood what was happening, and answered every question I had without hesitation or judgment. Her calm, reassuring presence made such a difference, especially during one of the most difficult moments of my labor.
I had a traumatic experience receiving my epidural. What should have been a routine 20-minute procedure ended up lasting over an hour, with multiple failed attempts to enter. My back is still bruised and sore today, 3weeks later. It was painful, confusing, and frightening. Through all of it, she never left my side. She held my hand, comforted me, and helped me stay grounded when I felt overwhelmed. Her gentleness and empathy kept me steady during that moment.
I will never forget the way she cared for me—not just as a patient, but as a person. Her compassion turned a traumatic experience into one I could get through, and I truly believe my birth experience would have been entirely different without her. She embodies everything a nurse should be, and I am deeply grateful for the comfort, patience, and strength she gave me on one of the most important days of my life. She absolutely deserves the DAISY Award.