McLaren Health Care
Nursing Recognition

Jennifer was nominated for a number of reasons, but we would like to share a very special one: "In March of 2020 when we were notified of our first COVID-19 positive patient, a nurse with minimal experience and young children at home was assigned to the patient. Without being asked, Jennifer volunteered to take the patient to decrease the nurses' concerns for their family."

Lori maintains a positive attitude, no matter what situation she is faced with. When acting as a team leader, she goes above and beyond ensuring all staff receive the assistance they need. Lori calls for documents, transports patients, helps prepare patients, performs accu-checks, makes charts, and much more. She truly serves as an excellent role model for her peers and coworkers alike.

Jennifer is known as a highly respected resource on her unit. She is always doing what's best for her patient and is even known for going to the cafeteria to get patients food when there isn't any on the unit. In March of 2020 when we were notified of our first COVID-19 positive patient, a nurse with minimal experience and young children at home was assigned to the case. Without being asked, Jennifer volunteered to take the patient to decrease the nurses' concerns for their family.

Kalie always takes the time to educate other staff members about the vascular service line and has mentored new OR staff in a somewhat "scary" specialty. She always has the patients' best interests at heart, frequently coming in in her free time to assist with vascular cases. Kalie is known as a compassionate caregiver, often reducing the patients and their family's anxiety and always keeps a positive and friendly attitude.

Recognized as one of the top nursing programs in the Midwest, SVSU's Department of Nursing annually honors exceptional nurses in multiple career paths, including clinical bedside nurses, nurse educators, nurses in the community and nurses in long-term care and rehabilitation facilities. The awards were established through generous support provided by Terry Moore and his wife Carleen K. Moore. Lisa Kukla works as a labor and delivery nurse at McLaren Bay Region. Her nomination letter read, "Lisa has established a nursing career that she can be proud of. She has been described in patient 'Thank You' notes as 'nice, friendly, great, very informative, concerned, knowledgeable, wonderful, and excellent.'”