RUHS Nurse Leaders Recognized with DAISY Awards
Four outstanding RUHS employees were recognized with DAISY Nurse Leader Awards for their hard work, positive attitudes and the way they support their teams.
Congratulations to this year’s Nurse Leader Recipients: Diana Mizer, Elaine Bolido and Alexi Smith from RUHS - Medical Center’s Moreno Valley campus and Thelma Beltran from Arlington campus.
The Nurse Leader Awards, from the nonprofit DAISY Foundation, recognize employees who don’t typically work with patients, but work hard to support front line nurses and make sure they can thrive and provide the best patient care.
The following are excerpts from each nurse’s nominations, which have been edited for clarity.
Diana Mizer, ANM Float Pool, RUHS - Medical Center
“She exemplifies what true leadership in nursing should look like. She’s grounded in empathy, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to patients, staff and the organization. She consistently demonstrates deep empathy and sensitivity to every situation and environment she encounters. Her presence brings a sense of calm and reassurance, and she leads with both her heart and her expertise. She inspires those around her by sharing genuine enthusiasm for achieving better outcomes not only for patients, but also for the personal and professional growth of her team. Her communication is clear, thoughtful and impactful. Whether engaging with staff or patients, she ensures that everyone feels heard, respected, and valued.”
Elaine Bolido, Case Manager, RUHS - Medical Center
“I have observed Elaine consistently demonstrate exceptional professionalism, ethical integrity, and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. She serves as a true role model, embodying the highest standards of nursing practice in every interaction. I have observed her ability to create an environment grounded in trust, compassion, and mutual respect. Patients, families, and staff alike experience a sense of safety and dignity in her presence. Elaine approaches every individual with equality and respect, ensuring each person feels valued and heard. I have observed how Elaine motivates and uplifts the team by modeling excellence and encouraging continued professional growth. She actively supports a shared vision of the RUHS organization, fostering collaboration, accountability, and a meaningful sense of community within the workplace.”
Alexi Smith, GI Lab, RUHS - Medical Center
“She has made a big impact on our nurses by being a supportive and dependable charge nurse. She consistently makes herself present during challenging situations on our unit and is always willing to help the team problem solve. Because she is approachable and easy to talk to, we feel comfortable coming to her with concerns and questions. She also sets a strong example in the way she cares for patients, always approaching them with compassion, patience and understanding. Her leadership encourages our team to provide the same level of care and helps create a supportive environment where nurses feel confident and supported in their roles.”
Thelma Beltran, Unit B, Arlington
“Thelma is a true guiding light for staff pursuing RN IV promotion. She nurtures, teaches and empowers her colleagues with genuine dedication, making her an invaluable resource for anyone seeking professional growth. What sets Thelma apart is not just her strong clinical knowledge, but the remarkable qualities she brings to mentorship — qualities that define the most effective mentors and preceptors. She embodies several characteristics of an excellent mentor, and she demonstrates each one with exceptional consistency. Through her guidance, she transforms the complex RN IV promotion process into a clear, achievable, and inspiring journey for those she supports.”
Congratulations to our RUHS nurse leaders!