Bronson Recognizes Nurses, Nurse Leaders & Sunshine Caregivers With 2024 Awards for Excellence

COMPASSION AWARD

• Carrie Hart, RN, Bronson Methodist Hospital General Medical Unit (GMU)
  "What sets Carrie apart from others is her wholehearted compassion, ability to see people - both coworkers and patients - for who they are, to meet them where they are at, empathizing with the situation at hand." Read Carrie’s full nomination.

EXPERTISE AWARD

• Kristin Lindsley, BSN, RN, Bronson Battle Creek Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU)
  “Kristin is a strong resource for not only her MICU/critical care team, but all of Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. She is current on the best practices, is always seeking out opportunities to keep herself up to date on her skills and is quite possibly one of the best to assist in running a code or rapid response.” Read Kristin’s full nomination.
• Anne Presley, RN, Bronson Cancer Center - Kalamazoo
  “Anne’s exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment to patients grappling with complex bleeding disorders sets her apart as a true example of nursing excellence.” Read Anne’s full nomination.

IMPACT AWARD

• Julia Pazder, BSN, RN, Bronson Methodist Hospital Vascular Access Specialty Team (VAST)
  "As one of the most sincere and hardworking nurses I have had the privilege to know, Julia consistently goes above and WAY beyond her duties, leaving a lasting mark on everyone she encounters." Read Julia’s full nomination now.

LEADERSHIP AWARD

• Morgan Bladen, RN, Bronson Methodist Hospital Cardiology Unit
  "Morgan’s dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to the cardiology team as well as to Bronson’s nursing community as a whole." Read Morgan’s full nomination.
• Beth Dorr, BS, RN, Bronson Battle Creek Emergency Department (ED)
  “She is kind and genuinely interested in taking care of her team. She is positive and cheerful. She often greets me in the hallway with a big hug and an ‘I'm SO glad you're here today!’ Working with fun, sincere and dedicated people all day is what makes me truly love my job at Bronson!” Read Beth’s full nomination.

PRIDE AWARD

• Sam Hughes, BSN, RN, Bronson Methodist Hospital Extended Medical Care Unit (EMCU)
  "Sam is consistently celebrating others even though he does so much good himself. I don't believe Sam knows how truly AMAZING he is." Read Sam’s full nomination.

RESPECT AWARD

• Laura Beck, BSN, RN, CARN, Bronson Family Medicine – The Groves, Ambulatory Care Manager
  "Over the years, Laura helped one of her patients over multiple hurdles: insurance coverage for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, his nutritionist adjusting his electrolyte requirements, a case of COVID, his calcium level dropping after a new medication, a port infection, and his kidney function waxing and waning. He knows Laura is just a phone call away." Read Laura’s full nomination.

RISING STAR AWARD

• Cade Hine, BSN, RN, C-EFM, Bronson Methodist Hospital Labor & Delivery
  "He embodies what a nurse is and strives to be. He is passionate, eager to grow his skills and knowledge, connects with patients and their support team on a personal and professional level, and is innovative and adaptive to the needs of his patients." Read Cade’s full nomination.

• Ariel Brooks-Ashcraft, BSN, RN, Bronson LakeView Hospital Emergency Department (ED)
  “Ariel gave me the best care in the ED! Every time she came into my room to check on me, I forgot how much pain I was in. She got to know me and I got to know her. She was cracking jokes and asking me about my recent vacation. Ariel inspired me to be a light in other's lives like she was in mine, and probably in others!” Read Ariel’s full nomination.
• Angela Sweet, RN, Bronson South Haven General Care Unit (GSU)
  “Angela has demonstrated over the years an excellent level of clinical knowledge, judgement and skills. She has outstanding bedside manners and I have seen how she treats her patients with compassion and respect. I trust her in taking care of my patients.” Read Angela’s full story.

Bronson Methodist Hospital Extended Medical Care Unit (EMCU)
“This patient stayed with us for 97 days. During that time, we were physically and verbally assaulted by her, but that did not change the care we provided. It was a difficult time, but our staff grew as a unit. Everyone that was involved with her worked together to provide the best care possible. This included EVS, Case Managers, Nurses, Patient Care Assistants, Unit Clerks, Unit Coordinators, Social Work, Providers, etc. When the patient left, we threw her and her mother a going away party. We decorated her room and wheelchair, ordered lunch to have together and then had cake and ice cream to celebrate together as a family. This is just one of many examples that make the Extended Medical Care Unit such an amazing team and why once again, “When you’re here, you’re family.” Read the EMCUs full nomination.

• Amber Fierke, LPN, Bronson Battle Creek Neuro Vascular Unit (NVU)/C2
  “Amber has great critical thinking skills and takes initiative. She is a true advocate for our patients and their families. She has helped patients see the value of services like rehab or home health care. She is definitely an asset to our C2 team and all of the LPNs that she trains!” Read Amber’s full nomination.
• Cajsa Loser, LPN, Bronson Methodist Hospital Neurovascular Unit (NVU)
  "Her collaboration with the care team is amazing, supporting PCAs and RNs in any way that she can - always willing to jump in and help when needed - while providing exceptional care to her patients." Read Cajsa’s full nomination.
• Jody Thompson, LPN, Bronson LakeView Family Care – Pediatrics
  "Jody is the true definition of a team player - consistently going above and beyond to assist everyone in the office, exemplifying dedication and excellence in her role. We are so proud to have her as a part of our work family!" Read Jody’s full nomination.

• Maleah Bolle, PCA, Bronson Methodist Hospital Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
  "Whenever she is presented with a difficult situation, she faces it head on with a smile on her face. Maleah is a joy to work with and we are blessed to have her on our unit." Read Maleah’s full nomination.
• Tracie Cardoza, MA, Bronson Neuroscience Center/Bronson Methodist Hospital Neurosurgery
  "It is clear that Tracie takes pride in her work, and it is a joy to see her interact with patients, providers, and staff. She consistently provides compassionate and professional assistance to patients, contributing to an exceptional experience for all." Read Tracie’s full nomination.
• Tracy Fisher, PCA, Bronson LakeView Hospital Acute Care Unit (ACU)
  “Tracy is the best! She anticipates what I need without me having to ask. She's so fun that I could invite her to a family reunion.” Read Tracy’s full nomination.
• Jennie Garner, RMA, Bronson Pediatric Gastroenterology Specialists
  "I know that anything I delegate to her will be done quickly and correctly, without question, every single time. Her empathetic and compassionate nature is evident in the care that she provides." Read Jennie’s full nomination.
• Devin Klopfenstein, ED Tech, Bronson Battle Creek Emergency Department (ED)
  “Devin recently joined our ED team and she hit the ground RUNNING! She is such an amazing worker, always moving quickly, efficiently and looking for the next thing to do. I just LOVE working with Devin. She is an amazing asset to our ED team!” Read Devin’s full nomination.
• Agnes Lester, PCA, Bronson Methodist Hospital VIP/Float Pool
  "What she did today was something I, and most others, would have avoided. It takes a strong soul. She definitely deserves the recognition. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work side-by-side with her, and Bronson is very lucky to have her." Read Agnes’ full nomination.
• Nadia Rocha, ED Tech, Bronson South Haven Hospital
  “Nadia goes out of her way to help the patients and their families. She is helpful and hardworking and seeks ways of learning more and doing more within the emergency department.” Read Nadia’s full nomination.
• Jessica Stull, CMA, Bronson Internal Medicine – Stadium Dr.
  "With her help and the care management team, we were able to get this patient back on track. I truly appreciate the special attention Jessica pays to all aspects of her work." Read Jessica’s full nomination.
• Brianna Wertz, PCA, Bronson Children’s Hospital/Pediatrics
  "Brianna is a phenomenal person. She is kind and caring. You can tell she loves her job and loves helping people. You can tell that she is here not just for the money, but to make things better, and I truly appreciate that." Read Brianna’s full nomination.

• Joseph Evans, BSN, RN, Bronson Battle Creek Oncology Unit/C5 & Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), Nurse Manager
  “Joe’s unwavering commitment, tireless work ethic, and compassionate leadership continue to leave an impressible mark on BBC’s nursing community. Whether at the bedside or behind the scenes, Joe is always willing to jump in and lend a helping hand, proving his dedication to his team as well as ensuring excellent patient care. He keeps his team organized, motivated, on track, and is often known for asking, “Can I help?” even when his plate is full.” Read Joe’s full nomination now.
• Taylor Jones, BSN, RN, Bronson Methodist Hospital Neuro Critical Care Unit (NCCU), Nurse Manager
  "Her leadership has fostered what I truly believe to be some of the most compassionate, creative, competent, and caring nurses that we have at Bronson and our patients receive better care each and every day because of her leadership." Read Taylor’s full nomination.

• Dan Krage, BSN, RN, Bronson Battle Creek Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), Unit Coordinator
  “I know if I could choose one nursing leader to work for, I would always choose Dan. We can come to him with anything, whether that be for advice or suggestions. We feel like our voices are heard with him. We do not view Dan as someone who is "above" us in a leadership position. He makes us feel like he is equal and on the battlefield with us.” Read Dan’s full nomination.
• Anika Meyers, BSN, RN, Bronson Methodist Hospital General Surgery Unit (GSU), Unit Coordinator
  "One of her biggest strengths is her ability to connect with people. This is evident every day whether she is solving an issue with a patient's family member, troubleshooting with other departments, speaking up in meetings, or even when staff members seek her out to discuss issues happening outside of work." Read Anika’s full nomination.