Driscoll Children's Hospital Rio Grande Valley is happy to celebrate its first Daisy Awards.

The national award recognizes nurses who go above and beyond in clinical care and compassion.

Two nurses at Driscoll Children's Hospital Rio Grande Valley were recently nominated, becoming the first Daisy Award recipients at the new Edinburg hospital. Out of over 50 nominations 2 nurses received the distinguished award.

Lee Elizondo, a nurse, was nominated for being a comforting friend to an oncology patient.

The patient’s mom said Elizondo’s unwavering support and compassionate care made a significant difference in her son’s recovery. For example, when the patient was battling an infection in the ICU, Elizondo reached out to the oncology nurses who had been taking caring of him and organized a visit to cheer him up.

“I was lucky enough to see his progression and see him get better to the point where he was discharged home,” Elizondo said. “His family invited me to be there when he rang the bell on his last day of chemotherapy treatment. That was such an amazing feeling to be able to share that experience with him in one of the most important moments of his life. I truly am blessed to work in this profession.”

Nelly Opune, NICU nurse manager, was nominated by a fellow nurse thanking her for being an excellent mentor, nurse and manager.

 “She works tirelessly to ensure the NICU is well taken care of, the patients and their families, and all the staff,” read the nomination.

Opune said she was surprised and cried in front of everyone when she received the award. Like other nurses, she said she felt like she was just doing her job. This is Opune’s second Daisy Award in 33 years of working as a NICU nurse.

“I am so grateful and honored to receive this award,” she said.

To learn more about the Daisy Awards, or to nominate a nurse, click here.