University of Michigan Health-Sparrow nurses honored during Nurses Week 

LANSING, Mich. – During National Nurses Week (May 6-12), University of Michigan Health-Sparrow honored thousands of highly skilled nurses who tirelessly dedicate themselves to caring for our patients and their families. This year’s Nurses Week theme was “Better Together,” highlighting our team approach to ensuring our patients receive the quality and compassionate care that we are known for.

Nurses Week concluded with ceremonies and recognition at several UM Health-Sparrow sites of care.

At UM Health-Sparrow Lansing, three individuals and a team of nurses were recognized for the super-human work they do for our patients.

Cardiac progressive care unit nurse Hye-Suk Marshall, BSN, R.N., was honored with the hospital’s Nurse of the Year award. Known for her passion, bubbly attitude and singing ability, Marshall constantly demonstrates empathy and compassion with every interaction. The Korean native has worked at Sparrow for nearly 30 years, dedicating her life to nursing after the death of her first husband.

“I decided I'm going live every day like it’s like my last day. Because then, I don't feel sorry if tomorrow I'm gone,” Marshall said.

Surgical services nurse Cheryl Bouchey, R.N., was named UM Health-Sparrow Lansing’s Longevity Honoree. Bouchey joined Sparrow after graduating from Lansing Community College in 1982. 

“I've seen a lot in the last 42 years here at Sparrow and worked with so many talented and wonderful people,” said Bouchey. “Everyone here, especially my team on 7 Neumann are my family.”

UM Health-Sparrow Lansing’s labor and delivery bereavement team was honored with the Team DAISY Award for their dedication to go above and beyond to ease the pain for families who experience a perinatal loss.

“Labor and delivery is often a positive and happy experience. Yet for some families, it can bring heartbreak and the reminder of what could have been,” said Tonyie Andrews-Johnson, director of women’s services at UM Health-Sparrow Lansing.

The bereavement team is credited with embracing families experiencing loss with empathy and dedication, and often create cherished keepsakes to honor the memory of the babies lost.

UM Health-Sparrow Lansing also recognized Karl Engler, who tragically passed away in May 2023, with the hospital’s DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. It recognizes nurses who have devoted their life’s work to the compassionate care of others and serving as a beacon of inspiration to those at all stages of their career and in the various and important roles of nursing. Engler spent nearly three decades of providing live-saving care to patients in the Emergency Department. His commitment to compassionate care and mentorship has left a lasting legacy at Sparrow, touching the lives of countless patients and colleagues.

At UM Health-Sparrow Carson, longtime surgical services nurse Lynnette Kane, R.N., was named its 2024 Nurse of the Year. Kane, who has been a nurse at Carson for nearly 30 years, was celebrated for the genuine concern she has for her patients and her remarkable ability to make them comfortable and relieve their anxiety. The hospital also recognized Kimberly Tissue, R.N., with a DAISY Nurse Leadership Award, its infusion center nurses with the Team DAISY Award and nurse Steve Whitney was posthumously recognized with the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award.

UM Health-Sparrow Clinton celebrated Co-Nurses of the Year, Billi Ney, R.N., and Kari Simon, R.N, for their selflessness and providing compassionate care to patients. UM Health-Sparrow Clinton’s medical surgical/specialty care department also received a Team DAISY Award.

At UM Health-Sparrow Eaton, Roxanne Baker was named as its 2024 Nurse of the Year. Baker’s nomination highlighted her passion and dedication to nursing and that “she has a drive for excellence and advocates for her patients and team members.” Baker was also credited with being a mentor to younger nurses.

UM Health-Sparrow Ionia selected house supervisor Sharon Shaw, R.N., as its 2024 Nurse of the Year. Shaw, a nurse for more than 35 years, was nominated by her colleagues for being the depiction of empathy, compassion, kindness and advocacy.

“She makes being a nurse unique, in how she has inspired many nurses as they advance in their careers and all the ways she demonstrates kindheartedness to her patients,” said Steve Dexter, RN, MSN, CNRN, director of operations at UM Health-Sparrow Ionia.

To learn more about careers at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, visit www.UofMHealthSparrow.org/Nursing.

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University of Michigan Health-Sparrow is Mid-Michigan’s premier health care organization and includes hospitals in Lansing, Carson City, Charlotte, Ionia and St. Johns, as well as UM Health-Sparrow Specialty Hospital, Care Network, the Michigan Athletic Club, and AL!VE. UM Health-Sparrow is part of University of Michigan Health. Through the dedication of our 10,000 caregivers, UM Health-Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and patient experience. For more information, visit UofMHealthSparrow.org.

Photo captions:

University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing nurse Hye-Suk Marshall, R.N., poses with her Nurse of the Year award.

University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing’s Longevity Honoree Cheryl Bouchey, R.N., poses with flowers.

University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing’s Labor and Delivery Bereavement team poses with their DAISY awards.

Karl Engler’s family celebrates his honor, along with a University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing nurse.