Marissa Levine Named DAISY Award Honoree for Second Quarter of 2026

York Hospital is pleased to announce that Marissa Levine, RN, head nurse in the Cardiac Cath Lab, has been honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses for the second quarter of 2026.

Marissa was nominated by an 84-year-old patient who shared his experiences across three separate cardiac procedures and praised not only her clinical expertise, but also her compassion, leadership, and commitment to teamwork.

“My comments are based on three surgeries, not just one, so they represent consistent performance,” the patient wrote. “They are all exceptional in every way you could measure them.”

According to the nomination, Marissa consistently helps patients and families feel informed, supported and confident throughout their care journey. By taking time to explain procedures and answer questions, she helps reduce anxiety during what can be a stressful experience.

“Marissa makes sure everything goes smoothly and that everyone does their job,” the patient wrote. “She explains everything that will happen and gives my daughter and me a level of confidence that the procedure will be completed flawlessly and painlessly.”

Left to right: Pamela Poulin, MS, RN, CENP, Chief Nursing Officer; Kim Neal, Director of Cardiovascular Care; 
Elizabeth Brand, RN; James Roberson, RN; Marissa Levine, RN, DAISY Award Honoree; 
Tricia Kashmer, Procedural Tech; and Linda Deschambault, Procedural Tech

The patient described the anxiety that often accompanies surgery, particularly later in life, and noted how Marissa’s patient-centered approach helped make each procedure feel less overwhelming.

“Every time a procedure was completed, she reviewed what I needed to watch for and helped me to my car,” he wrote. “Her bedside manner was always patient-oriented, which helped calm both my daughter and me.”

While the nomination highlighted Marissa’s clinical skill and compassionate care, it was a simple interaction following the patient’s most recent procedure that left a lasting impression.

After asking Marissa to write down her name so he could recognize her efforts, the patient was surprised when she returned the paper with four names listed instead of just her own.

“It was obvious that Marissa is a rare team player who did not want recognition for herself when the entire team worked together to make each procedure a success,” he wrote.

The patient emphasized that while he had the most direct contact with Marissa, she was quick to ensure her colleagues received credit as well.

“I am writing about Marissa because I had more contact with her, but she is correct — the team performed flawlessly,” he wrote.

The nomination concluded with praise for the example Marissa sets every day for both patients and colleagues.

“Marissa’s daily practices are what York Hospital should expect from all of its nurses,” the patient wrote.

The DAISY Award is an international program that honors extraordinary nurses through nominations from patients, families, and coworkers. York Hospital is proud to partner with the DAISY Foundation to celebrate nurses like Marissa, whose dedication to compassionate, patient-centered care has a meaningful impact on those she serves.

Since 2023, more than 100 York Hospital nurses have been recognized for their outstanding contributions, with 12 honored as DAISY Award recipients. This recognition reflects the compassion, expertise, and teamwork that define nursing excellence at York Hospital and the profound difference its nurses make every day.

For questions about the DAISY Award at York Hospital, contact Nursing Administration at (207) 351-2152 or serena.dumont@yorkhospital.com.

For more information, contact Community Relations at (207) 351-2385  or info@yorkhospital.com.