At Carson Tahoe Health, we believe that compassion and dedication are the foundations of extraordinary care. Our nurses go above and beyond for our patients every day, and we’re thrilled to celebrate their dedication through the DAISY Award, a recognition program that honors nurses for their exceptional commitment to patient care. Recently, we were proud to present this award to one of our own: Jose “Chuy” Zepeda, whose empathy, attentiveness, and skill made an unforgettable impact on a patient and his family.
The DAISY Award allows patients, families, and colleagues to nominate nurses who have provided exceptional care. This honor was inspired by the experience of the Silloway family, who felt firsthand Chuy’s remarkable kindness and support during a critical time. Justin Silloway, a patient who had just undergone a life-saving surgery for stage 3 stomach cancer, described Chuy as a nurse who treated him not just as a patient, but as a person deserving of comfort, dignity, and compassion. Despite managing responsibilities for several patients, Chuy went out of his way to reassure Justin, explaining every step of his care and listening deeply to his concerns, which provided a sense of calm amid a challenging journey.
Justin’s wife, Kristen Silloway, RN, who works as a recovery room nurse at Carson Tahoe, had the unique perspective of witnessing Chuy’s dedication both as a colleague and as a loved one’s caregiver. She shared how Chuy’s support allowed her to step back and recharge, knowing Justin was in good hands. Not only did Chuy ensure Justin received excellent care, but he also took time to guide and teach new nurses, demonstrating both his commitment to his patients and his profession. Kristen’s gratitude and respect for Chuy’s work underscore the high standard of care we strive to provide every day.
Chuy’s story exemplifies the spirit of the DAISY Award, created to honor nurses who make a lasting difference in the lives of those they serve. It’s a reminder that nursing goes beyond clinical expertise; it’s about making a human connection and showing kindness in every interaction. Chuy’s selfless dedication left an indelible mark on the Silloway family, and we are so proud to have him as part of the Carson Tahoe family.
Congratulations, Chuy, on this well-deserved recognition! Your compassion, professionalism, and tireless commitment inspire us all. Thank you for everything you do to bring comfort and healing to our community. We are honored to celebrate you and all our DAISY Award winners who remind us why we are proud to be Carson Tahoe Health.