I would like to nominate Kevin Jimenez for the DAISY Award for the extraordinary compassion and humanity he demonstrated while supporting the mother of one of our patients. We had a patient who was emergently transferred to us from an outside hospital. Upon learning that her daughter had been admitted to our Neuro ICU and was not doing well, the patient’s mother frantically drove from Orange County to San Diego to be at her daughter’s bedside.

After arriving, she realized she couldn’t find her wallet and discovered that her electric car urgently needed to be charged before she could return home. Kevin listened deeply to her concerns and immediately stepped in to help. He looked up nearby charging stations on his own cell phone and downloaded the necessary app. Kevin then assisted her in bringing her belongings, as well as her dog, to the car. When the dog had an accident outside the hospital elevator, Kevin cleaned it up without hesitation or complaint. He then personally drove her vehicle from the handicap parking space at UCSD to a charger off campus. He covered the charging cost himself so she wouldn’t have to worry about it during such a stressful moment. Once Kevin had gotten the patient’s mother settled at the car charging station, he ensured her phone was properly connected, helped her input the correct address home, and stayed with her until the car was sufficiently charged to make sure, she left safely.

Kevin’s actions went far beyond expected nursing responsibilities. He recognized a mother in crisis and supported her with compassion, patience, and genuine kindness. He not only cared for our patients but also cared wholeheartedly for the family, demonstrating what it truly means to serve with empathy.

Kevin embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award through his selflessness and unwavering dedication to the well-being of others. His actions turned a frightening day into one where this mother felt seen, supported, and not alone. He represents the very best of our profession and we are lucky to have him on the 3F Neuro ICU team.