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Three ������ nurses were honored this month with the prestigious DAISY Award recognizing their deep caring and compassion for the patients they serve. The following information describes each winner along with comments from the nominations received.

Memorial Hospital of Gardena:  Breeanna Sierra, RN

ED co-workers congratulating the Memorial Hospital of Gardena DAISY Award recipient are (left to right, back row): Marie Galapon, RN; Jane Oliver, charge RN; honoree Breeanna Sierra, RN; Shobha Anthony, RN; abd Jose Barraless, EMT. Pictured in front are (bottom left) Cheryl Ferrer and (bottom right) Alyssa Benavidez, RN.

Breeanna Sierra, RN, Emergency Department, received her DAISY Award Oct. 13. She joined Memorial Hospital of Gardena in April 2025 as a new grad. She moved away and then returned to the area, coming back to work at the Gardena hospital.

Sierra was nominated by a patient’s family for her compassionate and attentive care.  The patient’s daughter, who is also a registered nurse, shared how Breeanna’s kindness left a lasting impression.

 “She called us right away, caressed my mother’s hair, and comforted her with her words.  Watching how she cared for my mom reminded me how our actions truly affect patients and their families. Breeanna inspired me to strive to be a better nurse every day.”

Coast Plaza Hospital:  Joshua Ibarra-Walker, RN

DAISY Award recipient Joshua Ibarra-Walker, RN, (center) is surrounded by Emergency Department co-workers at Coast Plaza Hospital.

Joshua Ibarra-Walker, RN, received the DAISY Award from Coast Plaza Hospital on Oct. 13. He is a full-time RN in the Emergency Department who joined Coast Plaza in May of this year. His nomination came from a grateful patient.  

“On September 30, 2025, I came into Coast Plaza Hospital Emergency Department with severe pain. Upon my arrival the entire Emergency Department was attentive to my needs.  Joshua’s care and professionalism are top level, always present. His work morals and ethics makes him an amazing nurse in the Emergency Department.  I consider myself a lucky individual to have been under his care as a patient in the ER.

Community Hospital of Huntington Park: Ruben Oblepias, RN

Pictured here at Community Hospital of Huntington Park are (left to right): Mitra Layeghi CNO; honoree Ruben Oblepias, RN; Raul Rodriguez, OR tech; Veronica Marquez, EVS; Michelle Palafox, RN; Albert Armijo, OR tech; and Diego Alamaza Lopez, OR tech.

Ruben Oblepias, RN, received the DAISY Award from Community Hospital of Huntington Park Oct. 20. He joined the hospital as a traveler in April 2021 and was hired in the Surgery Department in April 2024. Oblepias received four nominations for the award.

“Ruben is an extremely efficient in his position and is a great asset to our department by trouble-shooting problems for doctors and co-workers. He always has a smile on his face, and he is courteous. I can’t think of another person I appreciate and respect more.”

“Everyone who has worked with Ruben knows how hardworking and reliable he is. From the doctors, to the surgical techs, co-nurses and most especially, patients, he makes sure that everyone’s concerns are taken care of. I think everybody would agree with me when I say that the OR would not be fully functional without him. Most importantly, you can see how passionate he is in caring for his patients, making sure all their needs are met. He deserves to be acknowledged more and be valued as an asset of this institution.”

“He can always be a problem-solver. He takes immediate action, never complains to anyone for coming to him. He always volunteers to avoid potential problems, will always be a phone call away even if not on call or in the middle of the night. He is always positive.”

“Ruben is one of the kindest nurses I’ve met since I started working here. He goes above and beyond to make everyone feel welcomed. When it comes to patient care he always ensures every patient feels well taken care of. Not only does he deserve the nomination he deserves this award.”

��10.21.2025