McLaren Greater Lansing nurses Dominique Phelps and Jeanette Hall were both 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 patient read: “We came to the hospital after suspicion of amniotic fluid leaking. We were admitted while still in early labor and we decided to hold off induction that night to get some rest prior to active labor. The next morning, we were introduced to Dominique, the nurse covering our care. We immediately saw her compassion, care, and the passion she puts into her job and patient care. We were planning for a vaginal birth without an epidural or other pain medication. Due to COVID-19, we were unable to have the in-person doula support that we would have likely had otherwise. Induction started around 6 a.m., leading to eventual birth at 11:50 a.m. Early on we learned Dominique was especially equipped to be our nurse on the baby’s birth day through her own personal experience of non-medicated vaginal birth and professional experience as a maternity nurse as well as studying and planning to become a certified nurse midwife and nurse practitioner. We feel so grateful that our birth day overlapped with her work hours, as she was able to provide exceptional support to myself and my husband as we ebbed and flowed through painful contractions, fast active labor and pushing and eventually the birth of our 10 lb. 5 oz. baby boy. She had phenomenal interpersonal skills and knew when and how to give specific advice and pain management techniques. She was incredibly supportive of our birthing plan wishes, advocated for us to the medical team, and empowered us to birth our baby as we hoped. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
The couple also wanted to thank their post-care nurse who helped them prepare to take baby home.
“Thank you to Jeanette for supporting us as we prepared to bring the baby home with us. She provided simple, practical tips and explanations of the tests being done before the baby could go home. Jeanette never made us feel as if any question was a ‘bad one’ and wasn’t condescending in her explanations. Thanks for taking the time with us and helping our transition from hospital to home.”
Phelps and Hall were both rewarded by hospital leadership and co-workers and received a certificate commending her for being an “Extraordinary Nurse,” as well as a sculpture called “A Healer's Touch,” hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.
“It means a lot to win the DAISY Award. I put all of my energy into nursing care and it feels really good to be recognized,” said Phelps. “Everyday I go in feeling like I am going to take care of my family members. Especially now with COVID-19 and a lot of family members are not able to be here with their loved ones, I feel like I have a family role to take on too.”
Phelps feels so passionate about labor and delivery nursing that she is continuing her education to become a nurse midwife. Once she has graduated, she hopes to stay with McLaren as a nurse midwife.