McLaren Greater Lansing nurse Emily Williams 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 patient, read as follows: “From the moment Emily entered my room, she was invested in helping and caring for me and my baby. She showed genuine concern and asked all the right questions to help ensure my comfort for treatment and addressed my concerns. My baby’s diaper bag was misplaced, and Emily went out of her way to make sure that my new baby had a bath and new clothes for her photos. Emily requested other staff that were equally wholehearted as she was in their approach, and she kept making conscious efforts to check on me and followed up on me and my child’s care.”
The nominator went on to say, “Thank you, Emily, for caring, for being genuine, and simply for being you. You helped my doctor’s visit go by smoothly, helped me be at ease, and you are the reason my daughter was able to have such beautiful pictures taken. I appreciate all your efforts and service.”
Williams 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.
Williams has worked at McLaren for five years, first in cardiology and eventually moving into The Birthplace, where she loves caring for mothers and their babies. Growing up in a family of medical professionals, she was exposed early on to her career path and knew quickly that caring for people was what she wanted to do.
“I have always enjoyed helping people,” said Williams. “I love working with my patients to empower them and help teach them different tools to care for themselves and their baby, so they feel confident when going home.”
Williams is currently seeking further education opportunities, particularly in OB-GYN, and said, “I absolutely love working in the birthing unit at McLaren. I work with an amazing team that has taught me a lot and supported me. This recognition was so unexpected, and I feel very honored.”
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.”