Congratulations to Our Bronson Battle Creek Nurses’ Week Award Winners!

From May 6 to 12, Bronson celebrated Nurses’ Week. The week recognizes the important part nurses play in patient care, and thanks them for their hard work and dedication. Celebrations were held across the system, including a special celebration to honor a few special nurses who have gone above and beyond in the past year. These exceptional nurses practice Bronson Positivity every day and make special connections with patients and families. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners! They are just a few of our amazing employees who make Bronson a great place to work and receive care.

Six BBC nurses were recognized with Excellence in Nursing Awards during the celebration in Battle Creek. These nurses were nominated and selected for the awards by their peers.

• Danielle LaFrance, BSN, RN, is a nurse in the neurovascular unit. She is the recipient of the Nursing Rising Star Award. “Although a novice nurse, Danielle presents herself as though she has been caring for patients for years. We were having issues with unclamped IV piggybacks. Danielle gave input into the content of the job aid and was involved in the design and flow of the information contained on the job aid. Through education and the use of the job aid, it has been over 125 days since and unclamped IVPB!” Read Danielle’s full nomination here.
• Stephanie McNees, BSN, RN, is a pre-admissions nurse. She is the recipient of the Hazel Latondress Expertise Award. “Recently, we had a patient who had a low hemoglobin but had a medical clearance for surgery. There was no known reason for the anemia. Because of Stephanie’s persistence and competency, she knew this was important. She did not just accept the clearance. A colonoscopy was finally ordered and a large colon mass was found. This may have saved the patient’s life. Stephanie brings high standards to her area of expertise.” Read Stephanie’s full nomination here.
• Karla Okoniewski, RN, is an endoscopy nurse. She is the recipient of the Hazel Latondress Compassion Award. “Karla brings warmth and love to her patients and co-workers. She goes out of her way to make people comfortable in an often uncomfortable place. She shows a true interest in patients problems, families and their health.” Read Karla’s full nomination here.
• Heidi Rinehart, RN, is a nurse in the neurovascular unit. She is the recipient of the Hazel Latondress Impact Award. “Heidi plays a vital role as a charge nurse on C2. She always considers the safety of the patients first. Thanks to her speaking up for safety, on December 3, 2018 the adding of heart rate and blood pressure on the MAR for cardiac medications went live, ensuring patients receives the right medication at the right time.” Read Heidi’s full nomination here.
• Susan Rudolph, BSN, RN, is a nurse in the neurovascular unit. She is the recipient of the Hazel Latondress Respect Award. “She provides every person with a great amount of individual respect. Susan realizes all people are not the same and assumes good intentions. She really lives our BE Respectful standard.” Read Susan’s full nomination here.
• Stephanie Schumann, BBA, RN, is a bed utilization nurse. She is the recipient of the Nursing Leadership Award. “I have witnessed Stephanie taking an active role to improve the outcomes of patients, encourage and educate other staff, and demonstrate great flexibility by jumping in and supporting staff wherever she is needed. She is a great coach and mentor for all.” Read Stephanie’s full story here.