McLaren Greater Lansing nurse Francene (Franny) Ball 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: “Franny is an extraordinary nurse. She is friendly, energetic, personable, open, honest, and dedicated to her patients. Franny has an easy demeanor, is sensitive, listens, and made me feel important. People come to a hospital when they are hurt/sick and need support and help to get back on their feet. Franny provided that safe environment to ask for help when needed without judgement, would make me laugh and smile, and advocated for my needs. When I felt doctors weren’t communicating with me, I was frustrated. Franny didn’t try to pacify me, she said she would look into it, and afterward doctors actually came to my room to discuss things. I strongly nominate Franny for the Daisy Award. She is a great representative for McLaren and the service they provide.”
Ball was recognized by hospital leadership and co-workers and received a certificate commending her for being an “Extraordinary Nurse,” as well as a sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” hand-carved by artists of the Shona people in Zimbabwe.
“This is such an honor knowing that I touched a patient life so positively,” said Ball. “I walk into every room as if it was someone I love lying in the bed. That is how I try to lead my day no matter the situation.”
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.”