April 2026 Honoree
Ricky Estrada, BSN, RN
I would like to recognize Ricky for his exceptional compassion, clinical judgment, and unwavering commitment to patient dignity. While caring for a patient admitted for cardiac issues who was experiencing severe abdominal distention and inability to have a bowel movement, Ricky went above and beyond to advocate for her comfort and well-being.
The patient was in significant distress, spoke very little English, and her caregiver was extremely worried—so much so that they had previously expressed frustration after feeling unheard about her pain. Ricky immediately made a difference by communicating with the patient in Spanish, despite not being a native speaker. His ability to bridge this language barrier helped ease her anxiety and build trust.
Rather than simply continuing pain medications, Ricky advocated to the nurse practitioner for an alternative intervention to address the root cause of her discomfort. As a result, the patient received appropriate treatment that relieved significant abdominal distention and discomfort, prevented further complications related to constipation, and improved her ability to tolerate medications.
Throughout the shift, Ricky remained fully present and compassionate despite the physically and emotionally demanding circumstances. We performed an enema and provided extensive hygiene care, returning multiple times to clean and reposition the patient as she experienced frequent loose stools. While many staff members on the unit tend to avoid stool-related care, Ricky consistently prioritized the patient’s dignity, never once showing frustration.
This was especially notable as he was simultaneously managing multiple high-acuity patients, including four patients with Clostridioides difficile infection requiring strict precautions, as well as a nonverbal patient. Despite this, he stayed longer than expected to ensure all of his patients received thorough, compassionate care.
Because of Ricky’s calm and reassuring presence, the patient became noticeably more relaxed, her caregiver felt relieved and supported, and the patient—who had initially struggled to take medications—was able to gradually tolerate them. When we returned two days later, we were able to see continued improvement, reinforcing the impact of his care.
Ricky’s positive attitude never wavered. He laughed with his patients, brought light into difficult situations, and maintained a sense of humanity in even the most demanding moments.
With five years of nursing experience and his role as a nurse educator on the unit, Ricky not only delivers outstanding patient care but also shapes the next generation of nurses. As his student, I learned from him the importance of preserving a patient’s honor and dignity, regardless of their condition, age, or level of disability. It is no surprise that he is pursuing a career as a geriatric nurse practitioner.
Ricky truly embodies what it means to be a nurse, and his compassion, advocacy, and dedication make him an incredibly deserving recipient of the DAISY Award
The patient was in significant distress, spoke very little English, and her caregiver was extremely worried—so much so that they had previously expressed frustration after feeling unheard about her pain. Ricky immediately made a difference by communicating with the patient in Spanish, despite not being a native speaker. His ability to bridge this language barrier helped ease her anxiety and build trust.
Rather than simply continuing pain medications, Ricky advocated to the nurse practitioner for an alternative intervention to address the root cause of her discomfort. As a result, the patient received appropriate treatment that relieved significant abdominal distention and discomfort, prevented further complications related to constipation, and improved her ability to tolerate medications.
Throughout the shift, Ricky remained fully present and compassionate despite the physically and emotionally demanding circumstances. We performed an enema and provided extensive hygiene care, returning multiple times to clean and reposition the patient as she experienced frequent loose stools. While many staff members on the unit tend to avoid stool-related care, Ricky consistently prioritized the patient’s dignity, never once showing frustration.
This was especially notable as he was simultaneously managing multiple high-acuity patients, including four patients with Clostridioides difficile infection requiring strict precautions, as well as a nonverbal patient. Despite this, he stayed longer than expected to ensure all of his patients received thorough, compassionate care.
Because of Ricky’s calm and reassuring presence, the patient became noticeably more relaxed, her caregiver felt relieved and supported, and the patient—who had initially struggled to take medications—was able to gradually tolerate them. When we returned two days later, we were able to see continued improvement, reinforcing the impact of his care.
Ricky’s positive attitude never wavered. He laughed with his patients, brought light into difficult situations, and maintained a sense of humanity in even the most demanding moments.
With five years of nursing experience and his role as a nurse educator on the unit, Ricky not only delivers outstanding patient care but also shapes the next generation of nurses. As his student, I learned from him the importance of preserving a patient’s honor and dignity, regardless of their condition, age, or level of disability. It is no surprise that he is pursuing a career as a geriatric nurse practitioner.
Ricky truly embodies what it means to be a nurse, and his compassion, advocacy, and dedication make him an incredibly deserving recipient of the DAISY Award
Thank you, Ricky, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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