McLaren Greater Lansing nurse Rachel Kenzie was honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the exceptional care nurses provide every day.
The nomination, submitted by a coworker, read as follows: “I have worked alongside Rachel for over a decade, and she has always been 100% about her patients. Rachel goes above and beyond to make sure that her patients are taken care of and has been an advocate for them when they need it most. Rachel is an amazing team player and is quick to help any other staff member on the floor. It is guaranteed that things will be handled when you have her as your nurse and coworker. We love her on the floor.”
Kenzie was recognized by hospital leadership and coworkers as she received a certificate commending her for being an “Extraordinary Nurse” and a sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” hand-carved by artists of the Shona people in Zimbabwe.
Kenzie has worked at McLaren for over 26 years and said her favorite part of being a nurse is just being there for her patients and helping people get better.
“I was very surprised and honored to receive this award,” said Kenzie. “I love nursing; it’s a great profession to be in. Not only do I get help people, but I also get to work with great coworkers as well.”
About the DAISY Award
The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation, based in Glen Ellen, California, was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Barnes died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a little-known but not uncommon autoimmune disease. The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families.
“When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced firsthand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night,” said Bonnie Barnes, president and co-founder of the DAISY Foundation. “Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the superhuman work they do. The kind of work the nurses at McLaren Greater Lansing are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of the DAISY Award.”