SSF Kaiser’s Critical Care RN Brenda Tocol was presented the DAISY AWARD
Throughout the year Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco takes time to recognize some of the most important people who work at the medical center… the nurses. The DAISY Award is given to extraordinary nurses in recognition for the enormous difference they make in the lives of so many people every day.
Among the recipients this year is Brenda Tocol, RN who works in the Critical Care Unit. Brenda has been a nurse for more than 8 years now, the past 6 at Kaiser Permanente. She never planned on going into nursing, but followed her mother’s advice to take some related nursing classes. Well, that was all it took, Brenda had found her calling and says the best thing about nursing is knowing patient’s appreciate her and that she is making a difference in someone’s life every day.
Brenda leads her CCU team diligently with a lot of enthusiasm. She is recognized by her peers, patients and families as being caring, compassionate, and kind with a gentle spirit. She reports to work every single day with a smile and authentically present for all. Her ability to keep her team calm in any situation speaks volumes about her leadership skills and creativity.
According to Linda Bertrand, Brenda’s manager in the CCU, Brenda is dependable, has perfect attendance, is a real team player, and above all “she’s a passionate nurse with a very beautiful and humble spirit.”
Brenda possesses many traits as an excellent nurse, but the one that she exhibits most is herself. She goes above and beyond to create a healing environment for her patients and families while sustaining trust and respect from her peers, and the critical care management team. Not only is she a caring person, but she is an exemplary nurse. When asked what motivates her to come to work, she stated that she tries to take care of herself by eating right, exercising, resting and keeping a work life balance. Her mannerism is always professional with excellent leadership and critical thinking skills. Brenda is well deserving of this recognition!
When asked to share a special memory, Brenda says one time she had a frightened patient who was concerned when transitioning from one unit to another at the hospital. Brenda was with her the entire time, and made sure she held her hand and stayed by the patient’s side. The patient said Brenda had a special touch which was so comforting and eased her fears and anxiety.
Congratulations to Brenda Tocol, RN for making a difference with the patients who come to Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco.
About the Daisy Award:
The DAISY Foundation was established in 2000 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died of complications of the auto-immune disease at the age of 33.The Barnes’ Family wanted to recognize, reward and celebrate the extraordinary clinical skills and compassion nurses provided to Patrick and the family. The DAISY Awards are given at hospitals and medical centers throughout the United States.