The DAISY Award is a recognition program to celebrate and recognize nurses by collecting nominations from patients, families, and co-workers, as a way to thank exceptional members of the nursing profession for the care and kindness they provide. Last week, MercyOne Des Moines surprised Caitlyn Babbitt with a ceremony to present her with the DAISY Award for December 2025. Family members and coworkers were on hand to congratulate Caitlyn. She is a PICU nurse. Nurses in the NICU care for newborns who need intensive care while PICU staff care for critically ill or injured children from infancy through adolescence.
Her nomination by a coworker stated, “Caitlyn always goes above and beyond for her patients, and the night of the drowning was no different. When I came on for my shift at 7, she was already rushing to help the other RRT nurse from the day shift. Providing care for multiple hours, she was an absolute Godsend in one of the most sad situations. She was quick to clean everything up in the trauma bay and made sure the little boy was presentable for the family to view. Most of all, she offered the family hand molds as a keepsake and even offered to hand deliver them to the family after her shift. She continues to be a light for families, and it is the most beautiful thing to witness. As an aspiring nurse and provider, watching her always do the most for her patients is so inspiring.”
In response to her award, the 2016 MHS graduate said, “I love my job. I’m so grateful for every coworker I’ve had the chance to work alongside. Nursing can definitely be challenging at times, but it’s also such a privilege to care for the children and families of Iowa. I feel really thankful to be part of a team that makes that possible every day.”…