Meghan Keizer, BSN, RN, who works on the Medical-Surgical Unit at MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital, in Damariscotta, 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, according to a news release from MaineHealth.

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, the health care nonprofit said.

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

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

About MaineHealth

MaineHealth is a not-for-profit, integrated health system whose vision is, “Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America,” and is committed to a mission of providing high-quality affordable care, educating tomorrow's caregivers and researching better ways to provide care.

MaineHealth includes a Level 1 trauma medical center, eight additional licensed hospitals, comprehensive pediatric care services, an extensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services as well as home health, hospice and senior care services. With more than 2,000 employed providers and approximately 23,000 care team members, MaineHealth provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire.

MaineHealth hospitals include MaineHealth Behavioral Health at Spring Harbor in Westbrook, MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington, MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, Biddeford and Sanford, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital in North Conway, N.H., MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital in Rockport, MaineHealth Stephens Hospital in Norway and MaineHealth Waldo Hospital in Belfast.

MaineHealth also includes the MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland, MaineHealth Behavioral Health in Westbrook, MaineHealth Home Health and Hospice in Saco, the MaineHealth Institute for Research in Scarborough, the MaineHealth Medical Group and MaineHealth NorDx in Scarborough. MaineHealth affiliates include MaineGeneral Health in Augusta and Waterville. It is also a significant stakeholder in the MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization in Portland and a joint venture partner in the New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland.