McLaren Greater Lansing nurse Alicia Patrick, who works in the labor and delivery department, 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: “We want to express our deepest gratitude for the extraordinary care and support that Alicia provided during one of the most important days of our lives – the birth of our precious daughter, Mya, on the fourth of July! Alicia could have gone home after her relief arrived. We knew she had plans up north, but she stayed and refused to leave until our baby was born. The act alone speaks volumes about her dedication, compassion, and heart.”
Her nomination went on to say, “Alicia’s calm, experienced presence helped me feel safe and confident through it all. When my blood pressure dropped, she acted quickly and professionally, ensuring both Mya and me were ok. During the epidural, I squeezed her shoulders so tightly I was afraid I would hurt her. Thank you for giving up your holiday plans to be there with us. We are forever grateful that it was Alicia who helped bring our daughter into the world. She will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”
Patrick 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.
After relocating from Massachusetts to Lansing, Michigan, Patrick launched her nursing career at McLaren Greater Lansing, which has spanned nearly 29 years. Her path was inspired by early experiences in healing environments, including the time she spent as a young child volunteering in Hospice. Influenced by her mother’s career as a labor and delivery nurse, Patrick felt a lifelong calling to follow in those footsteps and serve her community.
“What I love most is the hands-on nature of labor and delivery. I have the privilege to be a part of one of the best moments of a family’s life,” said Patrick. “To be a part of that story—to share in that joy firsthand is really rewarding.”
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.”