Each quarter we are proud to announce our DAISY, BEE, and PETALS honorees. These awards, presented together, reflect our common goals and collaboration across nursing, support staff, and departments. Daisies cannot bloom without the pollination of bees, and every daisy consists of petals extending from its core to create a whole blossom. Through our shared relationship, our nurses, individual staff, and departments work together to ensure an ongoing harvest of the highest quality care. Here are our Winter 2026 honorees.
DAISY AWARD – Recognizing extraordinary nurses
Zennya Ortiz, RN, Emergency Department
Zennya was nominated by a patient’s family member who said, “Zennya was very professional. She greeted us with her name and explained in detail everything she would be doing. She was so polite in asking if I needed anything. My 85-year-old mother was the actual patient. She needed my mom to complete some labs. My mom became agitated and didn’t want the process to happen. RN Zennya placed her hands on my mom and assured her she would be fine. The test was completed without any pain, and my mom had no idea it was done. Zennya worked in harmony with an LVN. They have such good working ethics, and it totally showed. Any health care provider who can provide services to my mother where she doesn’t get upset, that person is truly #1 in my life. Thank you, Zennya. You are a Super Star⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
BEE AWARD – Acknowledging exceptional employees (non-nursing)
Marleny Collantes, CNA, 8th Floor
Marleny was nominated by a co-worker who shared why Marleny is excellent every day.
“Marleny Collantes is an extraordinary CNA whose dedication, compassion, and professionalism have a profound impact on both patients and colleagues. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every patient receives the highest quality of care, demonstrating patience, attentiveness, and understanding regardless of a patient’s condition or mood. I have witnessed Marleny’s exceptional care firsthand during her 1:1 sitter assignments. She not only ensures patient safety, but also encourages engagement and social interaction, often assisting patients into wheelchairs so they can leave their rooms, interact with others, and improve their mentation. Her creativity and gentle approach bring comfort and dignity to patients who might otherwise feel isolated or anxious. Marleny’s vigilance and clinical awareness are remarkable. She has consistently identified sudden changes in patients’ conditions, enabling timely interventions that have, in some cases, prevented serious complications and saved lives. Her dedication and attentiveness extend beyond individual patients—she is always willing to step in to help her colleagues, ensuring the unit runs smoothly and every patient’s needs are met. Marleny’s tireless work ethic, empathy, and commitment to excellence make her a role model for our unit. She embodies the values celebrated by the BEE Award, making a meaningful difference every single day. Her presence reassures patients and inspires her team, and she is truly deserving of this recognition.”
PETALS AWARD – Giving kudos to outstanding teams
Human Resources
The HR team was awarded this honor because of the essential services they provide seamlessly and with the utmost professionalism to employees and the organization. Human Resources helps to manage and guide one of our most valuable assets – our employees. HR’s key functions include recruitment and onboarding, compliance and safety, employee relations and retention, training and development, compensation and benefits, and strategic planning. Through their teamwork and coordinated efforts, the HR staff fosters a positive and safe culture, creating an environment where we can grow and thrive as healthcare workers and as a St. Francis family.
Congratulations to all of our honorees. Thank you for bringing your best every day!
