McLaren Greater Lansing nurse Charles (Chad) Heberer 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: “This is my first time at this McLaren. This is also my second time getting COVID-19. Chad is an awesome nurse. He took excellent care of me. He answered every question I had. He even did work that the technicians usually do. When Chad asked how I was doing, I told him I was having a lot of pain. He went to the doctor, and it was taken care of. Chad feels like a friend that happens to be a great nurse. I feel that Chad has gone above and beyond the call of duty. I was so scared and nervous about my COVID. Chad did all he could do to make me feel better.”
Heberer 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.
Heberer decided to go into nursing after working in landscaping and heavy equipment operating for many years. He stated that when he was searching for a career change, he realized his interest in nursing because of his natural desire to help others.
“I strive to build personal connections with every patient, so I make an effort in finding similarities such as hobbies or experiences, hoping that my patients feel valued and that their individual care matters,” said Heberer. “I’m very honored to be recognized from this patient and was very surprised.”
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 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.”