McLaren Greater Lansing nurse Nicole Sebolt 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: “I found myself hospitalized for the first time in my adult life after an ER ultrasound detected a blood clot in my upper arm. Naturally, I had lots of questions, but I hesitated to ask because I could hear plenty more going on in the hall with other patients and I knew the nurses were busy. Despite that, Nicole made me feel like the only patient on the floor. Nicole’s demeanor was calm, level, and professional. She listened to several of my questions about my blood clot and responded thoughtfully and unhurriedly to each one. At no time did I feel rushed or dismissed even though I was aware Nicole had other patients to attend to.”
The nominator also observed Sebolt while training a new nurse and recognized her for her helpfulness stating, “Nicole offered words of wisdom to a new nurse who was trying to determine the best way to listen to my heart while considering all the competing contraptions that were affixed to my chest. She is clearly intelligent and knowledgeable, but also possesses those unteachable qualities that make her an outstanding representative for her profession.”
Sebolt was recognized by hospital leadership and coworkers, and she 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 people in Zimbabwe.
Coming from a family in which several family members worked in health care, Sebolt knew at a young age that she wanted to become a nurse.
“I always had the want to help people and make them feel better at times when they can’t care for themselves,” said Sebolt. “For someone to take the time to recognize me during a hard time in their life and not feeling their best was a real honor to me and makes me feel like I am making a difference at the bedside, which has always been a priority in my nursing profession.”
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.”