CHARLOTTE, MI – University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Eaton honored a highly skilled nurse with the DAISY Award for his compassionate care, outstanding nursing skills and always putting patients first.

Emergency nurse Jason Monahan, RN, was named DAISY Award honoree based on multiple nominations from patients­ for his confidence and compassion. One patient stated they were an hour away from home when chest pain and shortness of breath brought them to the Eaton Emergency Department, sharing “Jason was incredibly caring and responsive to all questions.”

Another patient shared her gratitude for his care of her daughter who experienced a severe Crohn’s attack with uncontrollable vomiting, stating “We had the pleasure of nurse Jason who made things happen for my daughter. He assisted with a plan of care and his bedside manners were excellent.” Yet another patient cited his patience and advocacy, saying, “UM Health-Sparrow should be proud to have such an amazing nurse.”

Monahan has been a nurse for 17 years, having worked at UM Health Sparrow-Eaton since August 2021 as well as UM Health-Sparrow Lansing and a critical access hospital in Munising. Monahan is the fourth-ever recipient of the DAISY award at UM Health Sparrow-Eaton.

“I appreciate being honored with this award very much,” says Monahan. “I love the opportunity to treat patients with the utmost care and respect under the phenomenal emergency department leadership of Eaton.”

The DAISY Foundation was formed in November 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 of complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). The nursing care Patrick received when hospitalized profoundly touched his family. After Patrick’s passing, The DAISY Foundation and The DAISY Award (named as an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System) were created to give patients, families and co-workers an easy way to express gratitude for nurses who provide extraordinary, compassionate care.

“Jason works hard to ensure every patient feels welcomed and well cared for. He always makes a connection with everyone he encounters. Both his team and his patients genuinely appreciate him for his efforts, says Rachel Latunski, RN, UM Health-Sparrow Eaton manager of emergency services.

Monahan signed the travelling DAISY banner – now displayed in the Sparrow Eaton Emergency Department – and received a DAISY recipient pin, certificate, stone sculpture known as “A Healer’s Touch,” hand-carved by artists in Zimbabwe (depicting the embracing relationship nurses have with their patients), cinnamon rolls to share with his team and a designated parking spot as the most recent DAISY recipient.

UM Health-Sparrow Eaton encourages anyone who wants to thank a nurse for the care they receive – or in honor of the care a loved one receives – to nominate them for a DAISY award. Awards are presented twice annually.

For more information or to nominate a nurse, visit UofMHealthSparrow.org/Daisy.

Jason Monahan, RN (second from right) is honored with the UM Health-Sparrow Eaton DAISY Award. Attending the ceremony were fellow members of Jason’s emergency team and (from left) Tiffany Friar, RN, DNP, MBA, RHCNOC, UM Health-Sparrow Eaton and Ionia chief nursing officer; Joslyn Monahan, one of Jason’s four children; and Rachel Latunski, RN, UM Health-Sparrow Eaton manager of emergency services.