Haylie
Rodriguez
November 2025
Haylie
Rodriguez
Indiana University South Bend, Vera Z. Dwyer College of Health Sciences
South Bend
,
IN
United States
Even as a student nurse, she recognized and addressed a systems issue—transforming a single patient’s distress into an opportunity for meaningful and lasting improvement.
During the Notre Dame Flu Vaccine Blitz, while enrolled in the Nursing Care of Communities course, Haylie Rodriguez demonstrated exceptional cultural sensitivity, advocacy, compassion, and professionalism—qualities that reflect the very heart of the nursing profession.
While administering flu vaccines, she encountered a female patient wearing a traditional hijab who expressed a need for privacy in order to remove clothing necessary for vaccine administration. The designated privacy area consisted of three partially enclosed sides—two partitioned and one blocked by a stage—while the fourth side, though facing a wall, was also used as a hallway leading to the staff and volunteer break room.
As the patient prepared for her vaccination, a male staff member unexpectedly passed through the hallway. The patient immediately covered herself and became visibly distressed, stating, “That is not okay.” Haylie responded with empathy and professionalism—providing reassurance, promptly completing the injection to minimize further discomfort, and offering a sincere apology. She assured the patient that she would report the incident to ensure that others would not experience a similar breach of privacy.
Following the encounter, Haylie promptly approached her instructor to describe the situation, expressing deep concern for the patient’s emotional well-being and cultural needs. Her compassion and sense of responsibility were evident as she articulated the importance of finding a more appropriate solution that respected all patients’ rights to dignity and privacy. Together with her instructor, she spoke directly with event organizers to advocate for systemic change.
As a result of her initiative and advocacy, a new policy was implemented. Organizers designated a private, windowless room for patients requiring enhanced privacy and developed procedures instructing all staff and volunteers not to enter when the door was closed. This solution not only addressed the immediate concern but also became a model for all future Flu Vaccine Blitz events, ensuring that all patients—regardless of cultural or personal needs—receive care in an environment that upholds dignity, respect, and inclusion. Because of Haylie’s actions, the organization strengthened its cultural sensitivity practices, fostering a more inclusive and patient-centered care experience.
Haylie’s actions exemplify the values of the Student DAISY Award: compassionate care, cultural humility, ethical advocacy, and leadership in promoting patient dignity. Even as a student nurse, she recognized and addressed a systems issue—transforming a single patient’s distress into an opportunity for meaningful and lasting improvement. Her commitment to respecting cultural diversity and upholding the core values of nursing demonstrates extraordinary promise as a future professional nurse and compassionate advocate for all patients.
While administering flu vaccines, she encountered a female patient wearing a traditional hijab who expressed a need for privacy in order to remove clothing necessary for vaccine administration. The designated privacy area consisted of three partially enclosed sides—two partitioned and one blocked by a stage—while the fourth side, though facing a wall, was also used as a hallway leading to the staff and volunteer break room.
As the patient prepared for her vaccination, a male staff member unexpectedly passed through the hallway. The patient immediately covered herself and became visibly distressed, stating, “That is not okay.” Haylie responded with empathy and professionalism—providing reassurance, promptly completing the injection to minimize further discomfort, and offering a sincere apology. She assured the patient that she would report the incident to ensure that others would not experience a similar breach of privacy.
Following the encounter, Haylie promptly approached her instructor to describe the situation, expressing deep concern for the patient’s emotional well-being and cultural needs. Her compassion and sense of responsibility were evident as she articulated the importance of finding a more appropriate solution that respected all patients’ rights to dignity and privacy. Together with her instructor, she spoke directly with event organizers to advocate for systemic change.
As a result of her initiative and advocacy, a new policy was implemented. Organizers designated a private, windowless room for patients requiring enhanced privacy and developed procedures instructing all staff and volunteers not to enter when the door was closed. This solution not only addressed the immediate concern but also became a model for all future Flu Vaccine Blitz events, ensuring that all patients—regardless of cultural or personal needs—receive care in an environment that upholds dignity, respect, and inclusion. Because of Haylie’s actions, the organization strengthened its cultural sensitivity practices, fostering a more inclusive and patient-centered care experience.
Haylie’s actions exemplify the values of the Student DAISY Award: compassionate care, cultural humility, ethical advocacy, and leadership in promoting patient dignity. Even as a student nurse, she recognized and addressed a systems issue—transforming a single patient’s distress into an opportunity for meaningful and lasting improvement. Her commitment to respecting cultural diversity and upholding the core values of nursing demonstrates extraordinary promise as a future professional nurse and compassionate advocate for all patients.