Valerie Oswald is our latest Sunshine Award winner!

A program to recognize the extraordinary care and contributions of our non-licensed nursing support staff continues at UHS with Valerie Oswald, NA, North Tower 5, UHS Wilson Medical Center, who was named the February winner of the Sunshine Program Award! Valerie was recognized and presented with the Sunshine Award and sunflowers for her achievement and enjoyed cookies as part of the celebration.

The North Tower 5 nursing assistant was nominated by her colleagues. The colleagues spoke about how Valerie goes above and beyond regularly, even shifting into a role to cover a co-worker who was on FMLA. They describe Valerie as a proactive staff member who takes initiative in supporting the unit in all capacities. The letter went on to talk about how she provides an individualized personal touch to the care she gives to our patients, including a time when an infant needed emergent care, and Valerie offered emotional support to the newborn's mother while the staff took care of the baby.

"Her compassion extends beyond just her patients and co-workers. She is thorough, reliable, kind and supportive," said Valerie's colleagues. "Valerie is very special to our unit, and staff are continually telling us how much they appreciate the work she does for us and our unit. We highly recommend this Sunshine Award be given to our sunshine, Valerie."

Thank you to Valerie for displaying such Compassion and Respect to our patients and co-workers, a stellar example of our team living "The UHS Way!"

Patients, families, and colleagues are 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.