OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Baptist Medical Center Beaches in Jacksonville recently celebrated one of its own, Dustten Martineau, BSN, RN, who was honored with the prestigious Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses. This international award recognizes nurses who provide exceptional clinical skill and compassionate care, making a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families.
Martineau’s journey into healthcare is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Ocala. A proud graduate of Vanguard High School’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program, he was challenged early on by the rigorous academic curriculum, which emphasized global awareness and critical thinking. This foundation paved the way for his future success in higher education and nursing.
After high school, Martineau attended the University of North Florida (UNF), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. His studies in biological sciences developed his passion for understanding the human body and caring for others. Recognizing a calling to serve patients more directly, he continued his education through UNF’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. During his time in nursing school, he also completed a nursing UBRI (Undergraduate Biomedical Research Internship) at Mayo Clinic under the mentorship of Dr. Liu and Dr. Bu, gaining experience in patient-centered research and advanced clinical settings.
Martineau is known among colleagues for his calm demeanor, clinical skill, and deep compassion. Stephanie, his nursing supervisor, shared, “Dustten doesn’t just care for the patients assigned to him. He steps in for anyone who needs help on the unit, always treating every patient like his own. When things get hectic, he jumps in without hesitation. He’s the first to respond during emergencies and once he’s on top of his own tasks, he’s right there asking how he can help the rest of us.”
He was nominated for the Daisy Award by Ms. Joyce, a team member in Environmental Services who witnessed an unforgettable moment of empathy. “This nurse didn’t just do their job. They went above and beyond to connect with the patient in a way that left me in awe,” she said. “He sat down beside the patient, placed a hand gently on their knee, and explained everything slowly and clearly. The way he treated that patient with the same care and respect you’d show a loved one was extraordinary.”
The Daisy Award, created in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, honors nurses who go above and beyond in their care. Over 5,400 healthcare facilities and nursing schools across 36 countries present the award, celebrating nurses who consistently demonstrate clinical excellence and heartfelt compassion.