McLaren Greater Lansing nurse Julie Fuller 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: "Julie was a godsend during my labor. She was so personable, and she truly helped me get through the painful labor/delivery. She gave me excellent advice on how to manage my pain through breathing techniques. She kept encouraging me and told me how well I was doing. I delivered a beautiful baby girl, who weighed 9 lbs., 12 oz., naturally, without an epidural or pain medicine, and I don't think I could have done it without Julie. She really went above and beyond to help me, and you can tell how much she cares about her patients. Thank you so much for everything, Julie."
Fuller was 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.
"I am honored, and I feel so blessed to be able to do this job, and have the opportunity to impact people's lives every day," said Fuller.
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."