OSF Saint Katharine recently recognized Tania Salazar Davalos, RN, with the DAISY Award for extraordinary nursing. The DAISY Award, presented quarterly, celebrates nurses who provide exceptional, compassionate care.
Tania was nominated by a patient who shared a heartfelt story of traveling from Kosovo to visit family, only to face a sudden illness and hospitalization. Unable to speak English and feeling frightened and alone, the patient found comfort in Tania’s care. Using translation apps, gestures, and empathy, Tania bridged the language gap and ensured the patient felt safe and understood. She included family in every step, explained treatments patiently, and treated the patient with dignity and kindness.
The patient wrote:
“From the very first moment, Tania made me feel like everything was going to be okay. Even though we couldn’t communicate with words, she found a way to understand me. Her kindness crossed all language barriers.”
The nomination described Tania as “the very definition of a DAISY nurse—compassionate, dedicated, and full of heart.” Her efforts turned fear into trust and isolation into comfort, creating a healing environment for both body and spirit.
Congratulations to Tania for exemplifying the Mission of OSF HealthCare and the values behind the DAISY Award.