Alyse Evans and Ivalisa Villanueva are the inaugural Sunshine Award winners!

The Sunshine Program Award, a new program at UHS, is designed to recognize the extraordinary care and contributions of our non-licensed nursing support staff. The goal of the program is to honor the incredible work that our frontline caregivers do every day, assuring that all of our nursing staff deserve respect for their exceptional skills and the compassion it takes to care for our patients. 

The program to honor nursing support staff who shine and bring light into other’s lives has begun at UHS with Alyse Evans, NA, UHS Wilson Medical Center Main Tower 4, and Ivalisa Villanueva, NA, UHS Wilson Medical Center South Tower 5, being named the inaugural winners! Both nursing assistants were recognized and presented with the Sunshine Award and sunflowers for their achievement and enjoyed cookies as part of the celebration.

Alyse Evans, the Wilson Main Tower 4 nursing assistant, was nominated by her colleague Mary. In Mary's nomination letter, she spoke about how Alyse was a lifeline for her and the best teammate possible on a day she was filling in outside her unit. Mary was removed from bedside care as a manager and was feeling a little overwhelmed. Alyse did not hesitate to jump in and help her out and answer any questions she had. Mary cited Alyse's compassion, constantly giving her confidence by making her feel like she was not alone, that although they did not know each other, she knew Alyse had her back, and they would work as a team.

"I think Alyse is one of the good ones, one of those that sees the bigger picture, wants to make a difference herself, and knows that helping others and being the guiding light or sunshine just comes naturally to her," said Mary. "She has all the UHS values and shows them in the way she cares for patients and staff alike. Knowing she had my back to assist in any way she could to make my shift a little better was priceless."

Ivalisa Villanueva, the South Tower 5 nursing assistant received two nominations. In the nomination letters, they spoke about Ivalisa's ability to connect with patients and put them at ease with her kindness and compassion, describing her as having a heart of gold. She has inspired both patients and coworkers with her actions and how she listens, giving the best advice and being a shoulder to lean on. Ivalisa was also praised for her part in developing a "Victory Walk" for patients who are finishing chemo. The letter discusses how much effort she has put into the walks to make them special, just another way she goes above and beyond for her patients.

"If I ever get admitted here, I know that it’s her I want and need attending to my care because she doesn’t stop making sure her patients and family needs are met," said one nomination letter. "She never has a frown on her, she’s so energetic, passionate, and full of love. Her bedside manners alongside her compassion for her job are outstanding. Ivalisa truly embodies the positive qualities we need at UHS."

Patients, families, and colleagues will be able to nominate any of our non-licensed support staff based on our UHS Values of Respect, Teamwork, Innovation, Trust, and especially Compassion. Nominations will be collected via paper - look for nomination kiosks and boxes at all UHS locations, via email at sunshine.awards@nyuhs.org, and electronically.

All nominees will be recognized, but each month, one nominee will be selected for a special recognition.