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It's not just a job, it's a calling. Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley Nurse, Patrick Dunn, was recently honored with The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

"I am extremely proud of Patrick Dunn and his dedication to the sacred work we do each day for our patients and community," said Alida Lorenz, Administrative Director of Nursing at Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley. "I am proud to know his dedication does not go unnoticed and will continue to shine in his work."

Here is just one of the patient nominations submitted about nurse Patrick Dunn:

"I was admitted on February 15 with COVID-related pneumonia. It was a very difficult time being sick and feeling lonely, but all of my nurses were amazing during my stay, every single one! But one nurse stood out to me, and I would love for him to be acknowledged for his service. I had Patrick (Dunn) many times while I was there. He always checked on me and was always very positive. He cheered me up and would make me laugh. Even when they seemed busy in my area, he would always take a second to make sure I was comfortable and, most importantly, cheer me up. At the moments that I needed a little more cheerfulness, he always gave me hope. That alone helped me to relax, calmed my stress, and most importantly, helped me heal. I want to say thank you to Patrick and I appreciate your care. Nurses like Patrick with high spirits make healing easier."

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, California, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

"When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night," said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, CEO and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation. "Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award."

Adventist Health is a faith-based, nonprofit integrated health system serving more than 80 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii as well as others across the U.S. through its Blue Zones company, a pioneer in taking a systemic and environmental approach to improving the health of entire cities and communities. Through this work, Adventist Health is leading a 21st century well-being transformation movement. Founded on Seventh-day Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides care in hospitals, clinics, its innovative Adventist Health Hospital@Home program that provides virtual in-patient care at home, home care agencies, hospice agencies and joint-venture retirement centers in both rural and urban communities. Our compassionate and talented team of 37,000 includes associates, medical staff physicians, allied health professionals and volunteers driven in pursuit of one mission: living God's love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope. Together, we are transforming the American healthcare experience with an innovative, yet timeless, whole-person focus on physical, mental, spiritual and social healing to support community well-being.