Alan Morris, registered nurse, was honored as the newest recipient of McLaren Greater Lansing’s Extraordinary Employee of the Season Award. This award acknowledges any employee in the hospital system for the extraordinary work they do.
Morris’s nomination stated, “My husband experienced a life threatening, life altering event. He had a stroke. I was in the unique position of being the patient’s spouse and an employee of McLaren. Alan was our guardian angel, who when we didn’t think it was possible, brought us hope, comfort, and many words of encouragement. Alan knew exactly what to say, how to say it, and when to say it. Alan went above and beyond to keep my husband comfortable and calm during the storm. I watched my husband fight a championship boxing match with Alan rooting him on all the way.”
The nominator went on to say, “Alan is special. He saved my husband’s life from despair and depression with his kindness and compassion. Though my husband doesn’t have full use of his left side, he is happy to be alive because of Alan. Each day for four days, he came in the room and sat with and talked to my husband and helped him open up about how he was feeling. He helped my husband take his first steps, helped him shower, and helped him find acceptance of patience to take things one thing at a time.”
Having dedicated 30 years to McLaren, Morris has become a trusted mentor and confidant to his colleagues. His coworkers have highlighted how Alan dedicates significant time to his patients, demonstrating both his empathy and his passion for his work.
During his recognition, Alan showed his appreciation to his coworkers saying, "I don't really believe in nursing awards that honor an individual. There's always a group behind the scenes that have your back, are doing their own significant work, and contribute to anything good that happens on the unit. This is how I feel about my colleagues. Every shift I live the purpose that God has given me on 7W, and they are part of that purpose. Each of us contribute to every patient I have the privilege of caring for, and it is a privilege.”
The Extraordinary Employee of the Season Award is given out to an individual each quarter. Nominees can be clinical or non-clinical staff at all levels and are chosen internally by McLaren staff.