Fountain Valley NUHW members recognized as Women of the Year
Registered nurses Claudine Miranda and Mida Apodaca get their satisfaction from serving patients, but they felt a little extra appreciated recently when Congressman Lou Correa named them “Women of the Year” in his congressional district.
“I feel accomplished. It’s nice that you’re being recognized for the things that you do,” said Miranda, a pediatrics ICU nurse. “I usually stay on the sidelines and don’t like to be in the spotlight, but I feel proud of myself.”
Apodaca, a nurse on the Telecovid Floor, said she was surprised and overwhelmed by the honor.
“It’s exciting,” she said. “I’ve been a nurse for a long time and my work comes as second nature, and I didn’t think it’s a big deal, but being acknowledged shows that being a healthcare worker is a big deal to others. This is above and beyond ‘thank you’ for what we do.”
Nearly 140 people, including teachers, community activists, and healthcare workers like Miranda and Apodaca, were recognized for the work they do in service of others.
“Sisters, mothers, daughters, wives, you are the foundation of our lives,” Congressman Correa, who represents a section of Orange County, said during the April 23 ceremony, during which he handed each honoree a rose and a certificate of recognition. “Today, in a humble way, we want to say muchas gracias por todo lo que han hecho por nosotros, por sus sacrificios (thank you for everything you do for us, for your sacrifices).”
Both Apodaca and Miranda have made many sacrifices as they help patients and their families in their units.
“Working with pediatrics, we take care of the child, the parents, the extended family and the siblings,” Miranda said. “Even when the patient is already stable enough, you have to care for the family.”
New to NUHW
Miranda and Apodaca found a new way to advocate for their patients this year by organizing with 850 other nurses and professional workers at Fountain Valley to join NUHW.
“Things have been happening, especially when COVID hit, and the previous union (UNAC) wasn’t helping us with anything,” said Miranda, who spent many hours talking and organizing her coworkers to join NUHW.
The difference in representation with NUHW has markedly improved, she added.
“I’m happy we’re part of a union that prioritizes our concerns,” Miranda said. “I’m able to see how quickly we resolve issues in the hospital now.”