Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital announced its first recipient of the DAISY Award, registered nurse Desiree Zoet. She’s worked with Mary Free Bed for 10 years and works on the hospital’s Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program.
The DAISY Award is an honor given to nurses across the globe for their compassionate contributions to the lives of patients and their family members or colleagues. It was all started by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away at the age of 33 due to complications from an autoimmune disease.
Since 1999, the DAISY Foundation has been honoring nurses who demonstrate exceptional care, like what the Barnes family received while in the hospital. They named the award DAISY, which stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.
Zoet was nominated because of her compassion, clinical expertise and unwavering dedication to patient care. Her nomination came from a longtime coworker who is part of Mary Free Bed’s respiratory therapy team.
“I’ve worked with Desiree for many years now, and her standards of behavior and work ethic mirror what it means to be an extraordinary nurse,” said Andrea Middleton, RRT. “In every way, Desiree represents the values and spirit of the DAISY Award. It’s an honor to recognize Desiree’s incredible impact on those lucky enough to be in her care.”
Middleton also highlighted an example of Zoet’s commitment to the mission when she cared for a patient who became critically ill and required immediate transfer to a critical care hospital.
“She not only cared for the patient’s needs but handled the communication with all physicians in a calm, controlled manner,” Middleton noted. “She went above and beyond the routine care, taking the time to explain the process to all involved, listen to concerns and offer comfort not just to the patient but to the entire family.”
“Desiree is an asset to our brain injury team because of her ability to understand patients’ needs, even when they aren’t always able to verbally express themselves,” said Kendall Lisenbee, BSN, RN, CRRN, Zoet’s nurse manager. “This intuitive skill allows her to provide personalized care that truly makes a difference in her patient’s comfort and overall recovery.”
Following the inaugural award, Mary Free Bed will begin honoring nurses every quarter. “We’re truly honored to welcome the DAISY Awards here,” Lisenbee added. “The DAISY Award grants us the opportunity to recognize a nurse who provides both exceptional care and makes a positive difference in the culture and spirit of our profession.”
At a ceremony packed with registered nurses, nurse techs, Mary Free Bed Guild members and other hospital staff, Zoet received a DAISY Award certificate, a hand-carved Healer’s Touch Sculpture from Zimbabwe and an honoree pin. Cinnamon rolls were provided to share with her colleagues, continuing the tradition that began with J. Patrick Barnes’ favorite treat. The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program floor will display a banner signed by Zoet until the next winner is announced.
You can help nominate the next nurse at Mary Free Bed for a DAISY Award. This national recognition celebrates the profound impact nurses have on their patients, families and colleagues throughout their careers.
Click here to nominate someone for a DAISY Award: DAISY Award Nomination Form
