October 2018
Michael
Ditzler
,
RN
Intensive Care Unit
UPMC Pinnacle Carlisle
Carlisle
,
PA
United States

 

 

 

My father was admitted to the ICU due to a bowel obstruction. He ended up having surgery and stayed approximately one week in the ICU, where he got lucky enough to have Mike Ditzler as his nurse several times. While Mike cared for my father, he showed every example of the DAISY criteria and more. He made my father's situation and stay bearable. He kept my mother smiling and comforted knowing dad was getting the best care he has ever had. Yes, I said ever had at a medical facility, when he was assigned to him.
Integrity - Mike always kept us informed about what he was doing, how my father was doing, what the plans were, and believe me I grilled him day after day; I am a nurse as well.
Commitment - Mike was always working, always taking care of patients. He never sat still. He is the only nurse during this week in the ICU that bathed my father. He was always there when we needed him without delay, and he did it with a smile, comfort, and caring mood. If dad had to go to the bathroom, he was there to get him on the bedside commode.
Advocacy - Mike advocated for my father's care and asked the family what they thought, what our concerns were, educated us when needed so we had the tools to make decisions.
Respect - Mike always treated my father and our family with respect. He listened to our concerns, he put my father's mind at ease when he had accidents or could not care for his own needs like he used to. He joked with us and listened to our stories.
Excellence - As you have read above, I cannot say enough how happy my father was and the family was with Mike. My father was there several days, and he had multiple other nurses, and none compared to the caring service that Mike provided every time he cared for my father and his family.