McLaren Greater Lansing nurse Michael Schauer 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’s family member, read as follows: “My mother was transferred urgently to McLaren Greater Lansing. While there, her vitals became unstable, and they discovered she was septic and needed lifesaving surgery. It was a very stressful time for my family. My mom made it through surgery and was taken to the intensive care unit (ICU). Michael was one of the nurses that was caring for my mom during the day. Michael was so attentive to my mother. He absolutely made sure to give her the best care she could receive. The amount of empathy, understanding, and overall support he provided to my family was outstanding. He explained every question my family asked and even comforted us when we couldn’t hold our tears in any longer. When my mom’s sedation decreased a bit, while still ventilated, my mom was spoken to with such compassion and humanity, using a gentle and calm tone. I have never heard a nurse speak like that to a patient. You could tell he truly cared for her. He is surely in the right place.”
The nominator went on to say, “I am moved by the way he cared for and talked to my mom. I understand Michael is still in training; he was quick on his feet. Always right on top of everything, maybe even two steps ahead. He delivered medications before the machines could beep, indicating fluids were gone. Michael was very thorough when he did vital exams on my mom and consistently communicated with us about my mom’s progress. I cannot thank you enough for the care that my mom received. You did not just help save her life, but you brought great comfort to our family, knowing that she had such an exemplary care team. Michael and the care team deserve to be recognized for this! Thank you, Michael!”
Schauer was recognized by hospital leadership and coworkers as he received a certificate commending him for being an “Extraordinary Nurse” and a sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” hand-carved by artists of the Shona people in Zimbabwe.
Schauer, who has only worked at McLaren Greater Lansing for five months, has quickly become a model nurse in the ICU unit, caring for patients with often very serious or life-threatening illnesses or injuries, and he has enjoyed the challenges the unit has given him in his young career.
“I decided to go into the nursing field from a health experience I had when I was younger,” said Schauer. “The nursing staff made a huge difference with my recovery and maintaining a positive state of mind, and I have always wanted to provide the same support that I received to my patients.”
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.”