Meghan Keizer, BSN, RN, who works on the Medical-Surgical Unit at MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital and lives in Tenants Harbor, recently received the DAISY Award® for her outstanding nursing care and dedication. 

During one patient’s recent hospital stay, Meghan provided compassionate support to a husband living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, ensuring clear communication, comfort and family involvement. She also often creates meaningful moments for patients, such as including them in decorating the unit’s Christmas tree, bringing joy and connection during challenging times. 

“Meghan exemplifies the very qualities this awardcelebrates: compassion, advocacy, skillful communication and clinical excellence,” MaineHealth Coastal Region Chief Nursing Officer Christine Anderson said.  

The DAISY Award® recognizes extraordinary nurses who go above and beyond in both science and sensitivity. Recipients arecelebrated for making a lasting difference in the life of patients, families and colleagues. 

The award was launched in 1999 by the Barnes Family in memory of their son, J. Patrick Barnes, who died from a rare auto-immune disease. They were so moved by the care he received, and they wanted to find a way to honor extraordinary nurses.   

More than 260,000 awards have been presented across the world since the program’s inception. Most recipients share that what makes it a special honor is, in most situations, patients nominate the nurses for consideration. Recipients arecelebrated for making a lasting difference in the lives of patients, families and colleagues.