Ruby Dunham, unit assistant at McLaren Greater Lansing, was honored with the BEE Award. The BEE award, which stands for “Be Extraordinary Every day,” was launched in early 2025 to recognize health care team members who made an extraordinary difference in a patient's care or overall experience.
The nomination, submitted by a coworker, read as follows: “I would like to nominate Ruby for her outstanding performance, attitude, and integrity while giving wonderful care to our patients. Ruby is very knowledgeable in her job as a unit assistant and so much more. She is always kind and caring, and gets rave reviews from both patients and coworkers that she is in contact with. She helps prep and recover all patients for various procedures. She is also heavily involved in the ongoing controlled chaos and patient-focused atmosphere. Always lending a helping hand and guidance when needed. She helps manage our workflow and makes assignments before the day's end. Ruby is an outstanding asset to this department, and we would like McLaren to recognize her for her efforts.”
Ruby also received a second nomination, stating, “Ruby is a gem to this unit. Her ability to know the flow and anticipate needs far exceeds many that I have worked with. She is per diem, and when we are in a crunch, she shows up. Our busy days are made far easier when she is here. Her patients appreciate her along with their families. She is in a nursing program now, and her patient interaction and monitoring of how a unit flows will be a great asset in her career. She is worthy of the BEE award.”
Dunham was recognized by hospital leadership and coworkers as she received a certificate commending her for “being extraordinary every day”. She received a pin, treats, and a sculpture that symbolizes care and comfort.
Dunham has worked at McLaren Greater Lansing as a unit assistant in the cardiac holding unit of the hospital. She is currently going to school for nursing.
“I always knew I wanted to work in health care,” said Dunham. “What I love most about my job is the patient connection; meeting new patients and hearing their stories and caring for them.”
About the BEE Award
While nursing staff are often recognized with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the BEE Award was created to symbolize the exceptional care and services delivered by hospital team members outside of the nursing profession.
If you would like to recognize a McLaren Greater Lansing team member who has positively impacted your hospital visit, you can nominate them by visiting https://www.mclaren.org/lansing/bee-award-mclaren-greater-lansing.