“Salvacion is a shining example of an outstanding nurse,” says a colleague at the Santa Clara Medical Center who nominated her for the award. “Her unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being of our patients and their families serves as an inspiration to her colleagues.”
Salvacion Romero, BSN, RN, a staff nurse IV in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the Santa Clara Medical Center, was named a 2024 Extraordinary Nurse for Maternal Child Health.
Romero has worked at the medical center for 22 years and is recognized for leading the Santa Clara NICU team participation in the Babies with Books international read-a-thon last year, surpassing 192 NICUs worldwide to secure first place in the annual event.
Inspiration for Nursing
From a young age, Romero dreamed of becoming a nurse, with her mother helping fuel her desire to care for others. “She always told me all about nursing and said I had the characteristics of a nurse,” shared Romero.
As an older sister, and now a mom of three kids, she loves caring for babies. “There’s nothing like being a NICU nurse,” she said.
Leading with Purpose
“It’s all about being a team player,” said Romero. “Everybody in the NICU is extraordinary, always going the extra mile every single time to care for the babies and their parents.”
Delivering Care Excellence
Romero provides the best care possible by ensuring the vital signs are stable, keeping babies in her care safe, and helping them meet their growth, developmental, and nutritional needs.
Under Romero’s guidance, the Santa Clara NICU recorded an impressive 1,151 reading sessions over seven days, significantly contributing to the well-being of the premature babies in their care.
Colleagues share that this initiative not only highlights Romero’s dedication to excellence but also underscores her understanding of the critical role that compassion, teamwork, and patient-centered care play in healthcare.
The reading program extends beyond the annual competition and is a standard practice in the Santa Clara NICU.
“I enjoy talking and reading to the babies,” shared Romero.