Cathy Bittner, RN Recognized with International Extraordinary Nurse Award

Carteret Health Care is pleased to announce that Cathy Bittner, RN in Medical Surgical was recognized with The DAISY Award at Carteret Health Care. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is an international award which is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day.

Hospital leaders and peers recently surprised Mrs. Bittner during a called meeting. “It was no surprise that Mrs. Bittner was nominated for this award,” stated Pat Ausband, Vice President Patient Care Services, “The nominating committee was 100% unanimous in the selection of Mrs. Bittner.

Mrs. Bittner who joined the Carteret Health Care team as a nurse in 2001 enthusiastically thanked all attendees. As the smell of cinnamon rolls filled the air, Katie Dixon, RN, and Stacey Abramski, RN shared information about the DAISY Award and recognized Mrs. Bittner’s efforts by having the nomination read by Mr. Ausband.

An excerpt from the nomination made by the wife of a patient from out of town stated, “My husband became very ill suddenly in May with a potentially life or death blood infection. As you can imagine, our concerns were heightened given this diagnosis and admission to a hospital we knew little about. The night nurse was Cathy Bittner and she is amazing. From the first time we met her, we knew she was special. She brings an upbeat and energetic approach to everything she does. She also instills a strong confidence for both the patient and patient’s family.”

The nomination continued, I opted to stay with Larry the first night and saw Cathy in action – consistently checking in and making sure we clearly understood every step and medication. The next night, based on my knowledge of Cathy’s care and attentiveness I opted to go home and sleep. On two occasions, he got out of bed in a delirious state, not knowing where he was. Cathy put him back into bed and calmed him, allowing him to rest again.

Cathy called me at 1:30 AM at my husband’s request. Cathy reassured me that he was fine and had experienced confusion and that she was watching him carefully. She reminded me of the importance to get rest and take care of myself. My confidence in Cathy allowed me to stay home and get rest with full knowledge that he was in exceptional hands. Cathy is a blessing and she made an emotionally and physically challenging situation better for both of us.

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Carteret nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. The award recipient is chosen by a committee at Carteret Health Care to receive The DAISY Award. Awards are presented throughout the year at celebrations attended by the Honoree’s colleagues, patients, and visitors.

Mrs. Bittner received a certificate commending her as an "Extraordinary Nurse," a bouquet of daisies, a DAISY Award pin and a meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. Cinnamon rolls were shared as a traditional part of the Daily Foundation. A banner will also be displayed in Mrs. Bittner’s work area.

Pat Ausband, Vice President Patient Care Services, “It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and we are honored that we can recognize Mrs. Bittner with this DAISY Award here at Carteret Health.”