Congratulations Luis Cruz, our latest Sunshine Award recipient!

A program to recognize the extraordinary care and contributions of our non-licensed nursing support staff continues at UHS with Luis Cruz, Emergency Department, UHS Wilson Medical Center, who was named the latest winner of the Sunshine Award! Luis received the Sunshine Award, along with a bouquet of sunflowers in recognition of his accomplishments, and enjoyed cookies during the celebration.

The nursing assistant was nominated by a colleague. In the nomination letter, the colleague recognizes Luis for the unforgettable impact he made on a one-year-old patient. Recognizing the fear and uncertainty a young patient might feel in the emergency room, Luis showed genuine compassion and focused on the patient’s emotional well-being, going above and beyond with small but meaningful gestures that brought comfort and joy.

“Through his calm and thoughtful approach, Luis quickly built trust, helping the child feel safe and easing the family’s anxiety. His ability to connect with patients on their level highlights his dedication to creating a positive care experience beyond clinical treatment,” the colleague wrote. “Luis turned a potentially traumatic visit into a positive and memorable experience.”

Thank you to Luis for being 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 can 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 are recognized, but each month, one nominee is selected for a special recognition.