Bronson Methodist Hospital Announces New DAISY Award Recipients

The DAISY Award for Exceptional Nurses recognizes nurses who go above and beyond to provide an exceptional healthcare experience for their patients. Bronson Methodist Hospital (BMH) recently recognized four nurses who, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, have demonstrated compassion, empathy and a dedication to providing the best care possible for their patients.

DAISY Award nominations are submitted by patients, family members and colleagues. Below, read about the recent recipients and find out why we honor them for their commitment to nursing and advancing the health of our communities.

• Michelle Fortune, RN, is a nurse in the Trauma and Emergency Department. When a wife came into the ED in September 2020, she was apprehensive because of the ongoing pandemic. “Michelle had a beautiful and positive attitude – not only toward my husband, but myself too. When we left the ED to go home, I felt like I was leaving one of my children behind. She, and the whole team who worked with my husband, exemplified kindness.” Read Michelle’s full nomination letter.
• Sam Hughes, BSN, RN, is a nurse on the Emergency Medical Care Unit (EMCU). “One day, a patient came in with an extremely severe case of bilateral leg cellulitis. The patient had very limited resources and was unable to care for his wounds, which had become so swollen and infected that he was unable to remove his shoes. His shoes were so soiled and damaged that they needed to be thrown away. On his next shift, Sam brought the patient two pairs of shoes in a size that fit the patient, along with 24 pairs of socks. Sam did this on his own time and without request from anyone. I believe that this kind gesture will be enormously helpful to the patients healing and success outside of the hospital.” Read Sam’s full nomination letter.
• Rebecca Mitchell, BSN, RN, is a nurse on the Mother/Baby Unit (MBU). Her nomination letter, submitted by a former patient, explains, “Rebecca is very professional, empathetic and ethical in her care. She was thorough and detailed with her discharge instructions and assessments. Bronson is lucky to have some of the finest nurses that make a hospital stay pleasant. Sometimes all you need is one person to just understand your pain – and that was Rebecca for me.” Read Rebecca’s full nomination letter.
• Stephanie Richardson, RN, is a nurse in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). “I have been a nurse for over 20 years, which Stephanie knew, but she made sure I was the patient today,” Stephanie’s nomination reads. “She made sure I understood all of my care and she didn’t assume that my being a nurse meant I knew everything. She anticipated all of my needs, even before I knew about them! She was on top of pain control, she was empathetic, and I felt extremely safe in her care. Stephanie helped decrease my anxiety and made me feel confident going home.” Read Stephanie’s full nomination letter.

To nominate a Bronson nurse for the DAISY Award, visit bronsonthankanurse.com. If you have experienced Bronson Positivity, share your story at bronsonpositivity.com. Your story can help bring Positivity and inspiration to others.

About the DAISY Award

The DAISY Award is supported by the not-for-profit DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Foundation. Bonnie and J. Mark Barnes created this foundation and award as a way to remember their son, J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick had a disease that attacked his body and was in the hospital for a long time. His nurses did such a great job with him that the Barnes family created an award that continues to recognize the excellent work nurses do every day.