Mary Beth Ditzler, a nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, was honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, according to a March 11 announcement from the hospital. The award recognizes nurses who show exceptional compassion and commitment to patient-centered care.
Ditzler was chosen from numerous nominations submitted by patients, family members, and colleagues. Several of these nominations highlighted her dedication and the positive impact she had on patients and their families. One nomination read: “Nurse Mary Beth took great care of my mom in the step-down unit. She was accessible when I had questions and always ensured that the doctor and other hospital staff followed up on any requests/concerns that I, or my family had. When my mom was being transported to a rehabilitation center, she made sure that she was warm enough and comfortable.”
Another nomination stated: “My 75-year-old grandma was in the ICU with very low sodium. I was with her every day but nobody in there showed as much compassion and care for my grandma as much as Mary Beth did! In the 2 days she was her nurse I never had to worry about my grandma when I had to leave because I knew Mary Beth was there! My grandma seemed to be getting worse until Mary Beth became her nurse and within 2 days of my grandma being in her care she not only got better but released from the ICU! Mary Beth is in my opinion what every nurse should be! I am forever thankful for how she treated my grandma!”
A third nomination said: “She went above and beyond to care for my grandmother who was in the ICU battling stage four breast cancer. She checked on her every 30 minutes, made her stay so much more tolerable and ensured she was on point with medications. Her integrity and compassion were completely amazing. I wouldn’t ask for another nurse to care for my grandmother. She is truly a miracle and she’s great at what she does. Very grateful for her caring for my grandmother.”
The DAISY Award ceremony took place in February, where Ditzler was recognized for treating patients with dignity, respect, and empathy during vulnerable times.
The DAISY Award program began after J. Patrick Barnes died at age 33 from complications of an autoimmune disease; his family created the award to honor his memory by recognizing outstanding nursing care worldwide.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton serves Mercer County and surrounding areas as part of RWJBarnabas Health. The hospital offers specialized services including cancer treatment through its partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute, heart and vascular care, stroke services, orthopedic surgery, bariatric surgery, wound care, women’s health programs, senior wellness initiatives, outpatient rehabilitation therapies, balance and hearing centers, sleep center services, among others.
