Zoila Nunez, RN, recognized as 2026 Daisy Award honoree
Zoila Nunez, RN, who is known for her delivery of superlative care at our Express clinic, was recognized as our 2026 Daisy Award honoree at a surprise ceremony on May 6.
June will mark 20 years since Zoila joined PCHC as a Health Center Assistant. She continued her education by returning to nursing school and has been working as an RN at PCHC Express since 2022.
“It’s been a full-circle moment going from HCA to nurse within the same organization that supported me throughout my journey,” said Zoila.
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is a national program started by a family that wanted to recognize the great nursing care their loved one received. As the DAISY winner, Zoila received:
- A framed certificate
- A check
- A beautifully handcrafted statue called “The Healer’s Touch” which symbolizes the relationship between nurses, patients, and families.
“I’m surrounded by an amazing team, and most days feel like I’m working alongside friends who all share the same goal of helping others,” said Zoila. “I love seeing the impact we have on patients. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing a patient is leaving satisfied with the care they received– feeling heard, respected, and cared for. Those moments are what remind me why I chose this profession.”
Zoila was nominated by her colleagues from Express. Among the things they wrote in their nominations:
- “Zoila goes above and beyond for her patients and co-workers. She helps triage every patient who walks in the door without an appointment even if they do not have symptoms that require immediate escalation to a clinician. Zoila truly embodies what PCHC stands for.”
- “On a daily basis, Zoila exhibits an amazing attitude and effort at work. She works to creatively come up with strategies to solve problems. She is knowledgeable and kind. She is a calming presence. Every shift, I know she will be there supporting our patients and our team. We are lucky to have her.”
“I take pride in being a role model for others, especially HCAs,” said Zoila. “I want them to see that if they put their heart and soul into their goals, they can achieve them too. If my story and this recognition can inspire even one person, that makes it even more meaningful.”
Congratulations, Zoila, and thank you for the impact you have had on both community health and the daily lives of your co-workers!