McLaren Greater Lansing nurse Brianna Rucinski 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 am honored to nominate Brianna for the DAISY Award for the exceptional care and support she provided me during my labor and delivery. From the moment she stepped into the room, Brianna dedicated herself entirely to my wellbeing, staying with me throughout my entire labor — something no other nurse had done before. When my contractions became overwhelming and intense, Brianna remained my anchor. She did not just offer medical support, but she also provided unwavering emotional and mental encouragement. Her words gave me the confidence and strength I needed to endure each wave of pain, providing gentle touches, and guided me back to myself. Her presence was not only reassuring, but empowering.”
The nominator went on to say, “What stood out the most was the positive energy Brianna exuded throughout the entire experience. She made me feel safe, capable, and supported in a way that I will never forget. Her dedication, compassion, and skill made an immense difference in my birth experience, and I truly believe she embodies everything a DAISY Award recipient should be. She is not just an outstanding nurse; she is a gift to every laboring mother she supports.”
Rucinski was recognized by hospital leadership and coworkers as she received a certificate commending her for being an “Extraordinary Nurse” and a sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” hand-carved by artists of the Shona people in Zimbabwe.
Having graduated and joined McLaren a little over a year ago, Rucinski has quickly become a valuable member of the team. She has received four DAISY Award nominations along with this one, a testament to the big impact she's made on her patients' lives. During her ceremony, Rucinski recognized the team effort it takes every day, commending her colleagues for their continuous support in her nursing career.
“For this patient, I remember leaning on my colleagues to help me find different positions, techniques, and encouragement during her difficult labor process and I would not be nearly as successful without the support I have from my team,” said Rucinski. “And the fact that this patient took the time out of their day to share their story, it’s a real honor to see all the hard work and everything I pour into my patients being recognized.”
Rucinski decided to go into nursing as a young adult after job shadowing a doctor. She immediately noticed the nurses and the intimate relationship they built with their patients and knew that is where she wanted to land in her career.
"As a labor and delivery nurse, I'm privileged to be a part of my patients' birthing journeys. It's a vulnerable moment, and to be there to empower them and help them find their own strength makes me feel like I'm truly making a difference," said Rucinski.
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 by 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.”