LANSING, Mich. – A University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Clinton nurse has been recognized with the hospital’s DAISY Award for going above and beyond to help one of our most vulnerable patients and her husband.

Andrea Rich, who works at the hospital’s Emergency Department, recently advocated for an elderly patient to be transferred and admitted to UM Health-Sparrow Lansing. The patient’s husband decided to drive to Lansing to be with his loved one but got confused and never made it to the hospital. Concerned about his safety, Rich did everything she could to find the husband, eventually teaming up with local EMS to locate him at a Big Boy restaurant.

“Andrea drove to the Big Boy to be with the patient’s confused husband and ensured he was safely reunited with his family,” the DAISY Award nomination said.

Said Rich: “It was a team effort and I just wanted to safely do my part to have the patient and her husband together during a stressful time. I truly am blessed to be able to care for patients just as they are family, and advocate for the best outcome.”

The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary, compassionate, and skillful care given by nurses every day.

“Andrea exemplifies all characteristics to be honored as a DAISY nurse! Her advocacy for her patients and genuine concern for others are remarkable,” said UM Health-Sparrow Clinton Chief Nursing Officer Mariah Hesse, MSN, R.N., CENP.

Nurses and nursing leaders are nominated for the award throughout the year by patients and patients’ families.

To learn more about the DAISY Award, go to UofMHealthSparrow.org/DAISY 

Photo Caption:
University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Clinton Emergency Department Nurse Andrea Rich, BSN, R.N., poses with her DAISY Award for going above and beyond to ensure the safety of her patient and family member.