Lompoc Valley Medical Center Registered Nurse Maria Chavez was recognized Thursday with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses . The prestigious international award is part of The DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care provided to patients and families every day.

Nurses are nominated for the DAISY by patients, families and colleagues.

Chavez, who was previously a House Supervisor and now is an RN in Case Management, has been with LVMC for five years.

“Maria has a heart of gold,” a nomination letter stated.

Her award centered around an interaction she had with a patient who uniquely had a pet rooster.

On one occasion, Maria learned it was the man’s birthday and bought him a piece of cake. She then had staff members sing “Happy Birthda

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