McLaren Greater Lansing nurse Greg Roder 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, reads as follows: “I was admitted due to a big life changing surgery. I was already scared and anxious. Greg introduced himself the first night. He was very caring and compassionate. He answered all my questions. If he didn’t know the answer, he went and found it for me. He was always coming in and checking on me. His constant rounding and asking how I was doing helped me stay on top of my pain. Early in the morning I wanted to try to go for a walk. He helped me with my first walk. I was also struggling with what foods would be considered a low fiber diet. He went as far as printing off low fiber information and explained it to my husband and me. He was absolutely amazing! I was very honored to have him as my nurse. He made me feel more comfortable and relaxed.”
Roder was recognized by hospital leadership, coworkers, and his family as he received a certificate commending him for being an “Extraordinary Nurse” and a sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” hand-carved by artists of the Shona people in Zimbabwe.
Roder, an experienced nurse with over eight years working in the medical surgical unit at McLaren Greater Lansing, was honored to receive this recognition and said he has always been dedicated to providing patient-focused care throughout his nursing career.
“I’ve always loved helping people and trying to make their day better, even when they aren’t feeling their best and I strive to make their experience here a positive one,” said Roder.
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.”