Nurse Care Manager Cecily Cruz wins DAISY Award

The Institute was pleased to recognize Nurse Care Manager Cecily Cruz, RN, of the Walton Family Health Center, as the winner of the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses. This award, which draws upon nominations from patients, staff and community members, recognizes the care and dedication that nurses show toward our patients. On December 11, Nurse Cruz was honored at an awards ceremony at the Institute’s main headquarters in Harlem.

Here is an excerpt from Nurse Cruz’s nomination (edited for length and clarity):

“Some people choose their profession for money, but when you are sure of your calling and you choose to be a nurse, that is extraordinarily special. Nursing is not for the weak. You carry many hats: advocate, communicator, critical thinker, problem solver, quick responder, leader, pacifier, and more. Cecily Cruz, “Cece” as we lovingly call her, is everything listed above and more. She is our Clara Barton of the modern day. The Walton Family Health Center has its own angel on the battlefield of health-related social injustice. I could tell multiple stories about her, but I want to tell this one the most. In 2019, I lived in frigid, upstate New York. I spent over a full week without electricity, heat, or hot water. I needed help fast. I thought about the Walton Family Health Center and got connected to Cece. I explained my desperate situation. She asked me some pertinent questions, and with her assistance, it did not take long until my services were restored. Nurses have the ability to perform miracles beyond their line of duty. Cece deserves the Daisy Award because she embodies the qualities and expectations of her profession and beyond for the wellness of her patients.”

Want to say thank you to one of our staff? Visit the staff awards page to share your nomination.