September 2026 Honoree
Shirley Valdez, MSN, RN, APRN, FNP-C, CPAN
It is my privilege to nominate Shirley for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership, clinical expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, staff development, and professional practice.
For the past 23 years at Kaiser Permanente, Shirley has demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to nursing excellence and compassionate care. Her extensive experience in both Pre-Op and PACU has made her an invaluable asset to our department and a trusted resource for staff, physicians, and leaders alike. She consistently demonstrates professionalism, confidence, and sound clinical judgment in every aspect of her work. Whether managing daily operations, supporting staff, or addressing complex challenges, Shirley approaches every situation with integrity, composure, and a positive attitude that inspires confidence in those around her.
Through her strong relationships with coworkers, charge nurses, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members, Shirley fosters a culture of collaboration, trust, and mutual respect. She is widely recognized as a dependable leader whose expertise and guidance contribute significantly to the success of our team and the delivery of exceptional patient care.
What truly distinguishes Shirley as a nurse leader is her willingness to go above and beyond in support of both staff and patients. She readily assumes multiple roles as needed, follows up on staff access and operational concerns, and continuously seeks innovative ways to improve workflows and enhance unit efficiency. Her proactive approach and forward-thinking mindset have had a meaningful impact on staff engagement, departmental performance, and patient outcomes. She consistently attends staff and charge nurse meetings, encourages participation, and promotes professional accountability by reminding team members to complete required education, certifications, and surveys.
Shirley leads with compassion. Her genuine care for patients, families, and colleagues is evident in every interaction. She creates an environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and supported. Through her dedication, professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence, she exemplifies the qualities of an extraordinary nurse leader and serves as a role model for all who work alongside her.
Shirley's leadership embodies the core values recognized by the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. Through her unwavering compassion for patients and staff, steadfast advocacy for excellence in care, innovative approach to improving departmental operations, and dedication to developing future nurse leaders, she has made a profound and lasting impact on our organization. Shirley leads with integrity, inspires confidence, and fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth. Her influence extends far beyond her daily responsibilities, motivating those around her to deliver exceptional care and strive for excellence.
For the past 23 years at Kaiser Permanente, Shirley has demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to nursing excellence and compassionate care. Her extensive experience in both Pre-Op and PACU has made her an invaluable asset to our department and a trusted resource for staff, physicians, and leaders alike. She consistently demonstrates professionalism, confidence, and sound clinical judgment in every aspect of her work. Whether managing daily operations, supporting staff, or addressing complex challenges, Shirley approaches every situation with integrity, composure, and a positive attitude that inspires confidence in those around her.
Through her strong relationships with coworkers, charge nurses, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members, Shirley fosters a culture of collaboration, trust, and mutual respect. She is widely recognized as a dependable leader whose expertise and guidance contribute significantly to the success of our team and the delivery of exceptional patient care.
What truly distinguishes Shirley as a nurse leader is her willingness to go above and beyond in support of both staff and patients. She readily assumes multiple roles as needed, follows up on staff access and operational concerns, and continuously seeks innovative ways to improve workflows and enhance unit efficiency. Her proactive approach and forward-thinking mindset have had a meaningful impact on staff engagement, departmental performance, and patient outcomes. She consistently attends staff and charge nurse meetings, encourages participation, and promotes professional accountability by reminding team members to complete required education, certifications, and surveys.
Shirley leads with compassion. Her genuine care for patients, families, and colleagues is evident in every interaction. She creates an environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and supported. Through her dedication, professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence, she exemplifies the qualities of an extraordinary nurse leader and serves as a role model for all who work alongside her.
Shirley's leadership embodies the core values recognized by the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. Through her unwavering compassion for patients and staff, steadfast advocacy for excellence in care, innovative approach to improving departmental operations, and dedication to developing future nurse leaders, she has made a profound and lasting impact on our organization. Shirley leads with integrity, inspires confidence, and fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth. Her influence extends far beyond her daily responsibilities, motivating those around her to deliver exceptional care and strive for excellence.
Thank you, Shirley, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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