DAISY Award winner at Adventist Health Mendocino Coast forms a unique bond with patient Chris Endicott, RN

Christine (“Chris”) Endicott, RN, cardiology nurse at Adventist Health Mendocino Coast (AHMC), was nominated for The DAISY Award by a patient who met Chris while running along the Big River in coastal Mendocino County. The patient had recently recovered from COVID and was trying to get back on track with his marathon training.

After completing 10 miles, the patient stopped and conversed with Chris, who was hiking on the same trail. After the short break, the patient continued his run. As he reached the 15-mile mark, he began experiencing sudden chest pains, something he had not previously experienced. Concerned, the patient called his doctor the next day and his doctor ordered some tests.

When the patient came into AHMC for his electrocardiogram (EKG), he was met by a familiar person. And as they began to talk, the patient realized his nurse was Chris — the same person he had met on the Big River path just days before!

Chris stayed with the patient through all the tests, comforting him. “Chris is exceedingly competent and kind,” he shares about his nurse. “I cannot say enough about how she helped me through the tests. Chris is an awesome nurse, and the hospital is lucky to have her. I appreciate the care and the kindness that I received at a time of worry. I was terrified, and it helped a lot to have Chris, someone who was so kind and comforting, there with me.”

The AHMC team also appreciates Chris’s skill, kindness and work ethic. Her supervisor stated, “I’m so happy to hear she is receiving this honor. Chris works so hard.”

Her colleagues echo the same sentiment: “Chris is amazing, super outgoing and willing to help anyone with anything. We LOVE working with Chris.”