"My mother was a patient in the hospital. Maricela Marquez was working in the room that my mother was in. On that day, the lady in bed one had lots of problems and so did my mother. I was in that room almost the entire day and never one time during that very stressful day did I ever see Maricela get upset or frustrated. You almost had to witness her that day and see everything that was going on in our room to understand what I'm trying to express.

Maricela has the patience of a saint. She is so caring and compassionate that it appears to me she treats each one of her patients like they're the only patient she has to take care of. Maricela goes out of her way to make her patients feel special. I noticed that the other day.

Every time before she'd leave the room, she'd always ask, Is there anything I can do for you? I'm not very good at expressing myself but I think Maricela has a very special gift, and I think that gift is a true blessing to each patient she works with. Being a nurse isn't just a job' to her. I really believe she wants to make a positive difference in her patients' lives." - P.M.

...

"She goes above and beyond for her patients. She was taking care of my mother and met her every need and the patient in the first bed. Nothing was too much to ask from her. She always had a smile for us and always asked if we needed anything." - T.W.

View a photo slideshow of Maricela's award presentation at HanoverHospital.org/main/DAISYOct2013.aspx