WAU Nursing Chair Congratulates Alum Gabriel Santos on DAISY Award Nomination
Written by: IMC Director Simonique Dietz
TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Washington Adventist University (WAU) Nursing Department Chair Dr. Tijuana Griffin extended congratulations to Gabriel Santos, a recent nursing graduate, for his nomination for the prestigious DAISY Award. “Congratulations on your nomination for the DAISY Award. We are grateful for your exceptional patient care, which you do in an honorable manner to the Lord,” Griffin said, commending Santos’ dedication and spiritual commitment in his nursing practice.
Santos, who graduated in Winter 2023, provided an update on his career since joining the workforce. “It’s been 7 months since I started my job at a pulmonary IMC unit, working night shifts. I’ve been treating patients with respiratory issues, tracheotomies, chest tubes, and other medical conditions. Thanks to my training at WAU, I’ve been able to apply all the skills I learned during simulations and clinicals,” said Santos. He shared his excitement about his DAISY Award nomination and credited WAU for preparing him for success in his profession.
The DAISY Award recognizes extraordinary nurses who provide compassionate care. Nominees are typically selected by their peers or patients, and the award honors those who demonstrate clinical excellence, compassion, and a dedication to making a difference in patients’ lives.
Reflecting on his journey, Santos also celebrated a significant achievement: “I recently sat for the NCLEX, and to my surprise, I passed with 85 questions and now have an active license! I’m grateful to WAU and my classmates for their support and prayers.”
Santos’ achievements are a testament to the high-quality education provided by WAU, which prepares its nursing graduates to excel in clinical practice and serve their communities with compassion.
The Edyth T. James Department of Nursing at WAU offers accredited programs such as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). WAU’s nursing program is known for its Christ-centered education and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing (Washington Adventist University).