Author: Sherry Farney
Sarah Seymour, RN, a caregiver on the hospital’s oncology unit (11 South), is the 2025 Margaret McLaren Nursing Excellence Award Winner. McLaren Flint honored Sarah and 21 other nominees at a May 8 ceremony.
The excellence award is named after Margaret McLaren, RN, who served as Superintendent of McLaren General Hospital and its predecessor, the Women’s Hospital, for 27 years. When McLaren General Hospital opened in October 1951, the facility was named in her honor, making it the first hospital in the country to be named after a nurse.
A special committee selects Margaret McLaren Nursing Excellence Award winners from nomination forms submitted by the nominees’ peers, and the annual celebration is held each year during National Nurses Week.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of the 11 South team," said Sarah. “I couldn’t be more honored knowing this recognition comes from the people I work beside every day.”
Her peers describe Sarah as an RN who goes above and beyond for her patients and for them. She takes calls on her days off if someone needs something and is considered a “go-to” person on her patient care unit.
Staff also nominated nursing leadership for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. This year’s recipient is Tera Knoll, RN, Patient Care Services Manager.
“I came to the hospital when I received a scholarship that required an 18-month work commitment, and I thought, how am I going to do that?” said Tera. “Fast forward, and I’m close to celebrating 20 years at the hospital. There is no place I would rather work.”