UP Health System – Marquette Honors Megan Richards, RN, with the DAISY Award

Megan Richards, RN, is pictured with leadership during the DAISY Award presentation
at UP Health System – Marquette. From left to right: Julie Nordberg, Executive Director of Nursing; Linda Bergren, Director of Medical/Oncology; Megan Richards, RN; Meg McConnell, Chief Nursing Officer; Polly Hockberger, Vice President of Operations; and Teresa Perry, Chief Financial Officer.

UP Health System – Marquette is proud to recognize Megan Richards, RN, Medical/Surgical, as this quarter's recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®. The DAISY Award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to honor the exceptional, compassionate care nurses provide to patients and families every day.

Richards was recognized for her calming presence, compassionate care and unwavering attentiveness during a patient's especially difficult hospitalization, helping ease fear and uncertainty while providing exceptional nursing care.

The nomination came from a patient whose nine-day hospitalization at another facility was followed by a transfer to UP Health System – Marquette for a specialized procedure. Already coping with significant pain, limited mobility and uncertainty about what lay ahead, the patient described feeling physically exhausted, emotionally overwhelmed and frightened.

"I was having an extremely difficult time in the hospital — physically, emotionally and mentally," the patient wrote. "I am a nurse and was not used to being on 'the other side' as a patient. I was feeling vulnerable and scared to death."

When Richards assumed the patient's care, there was still uncertainty about whether an interventional radiology procedure would take place that day.

"Megan's calming presence eased some of my fears about the uncertainty and the procedure itself," the patient shared.

Following the procedure, the patient experienced unexpected pain that further limited mobility and heightened anxiety. Throughout the experience, Richards remained attentive, listened carefully to the patient's concerns and anticipated both medical and emotional needs without having to be asked.

"Megan was incredibly attentive, listened to my concerns and seemed to know what I needed — medically and emotionally — without my asking," the nomination read. "She was so cognizant of every aspect of my care, right down to the simplest detail of making sure the Kleenex box was always within my reach."

The patient said Richards' thoughtful approach and genuine concern helped restore a sense of comfort during one of the most vulnerable experiences of their life.

"She provided such mindful, supportive and thoughtful care," the patient wrote. "Her calming presence eased some of my fears. I will always be grateful."

Through every interaction, Richards demonstrated the empathy, clinical excellence and unwavering commitment that define extraordinary nursing care.

"Megan's ability to provide comfort, reassurance and exceptional care during a patient's most vulnerable moments exemplifies what it means to be an extraordinary nurse," said Meg McConnell, DNP, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer at UP Health System – Marquette. "She embodies the compassion, professionalism and dedication that make a lasting difference for patients and their families. We are honored to recognize her with the DAISY Award."

Megan signing the DAISY Award banner.

UP Health System – Marquette also extends recognition to all the extraordinary nurses and caregivers nominated for the DAISY Award this quarter.

Maradie Milkey, RN; Shannon Reaves-Anderson, RN, Structural Heart Coordinator; Samantha Pagwarini, RN; Justin Smigelski, RN; Ashley Hamel, RN; Brittany Gibbs, RN (traveler); Michael Perrault, RN; Kayla Grooters, ED Tech; Francis Zelinski, RN; Richard "Wyatt" Porter, RN; Jade Clement, RN; Kaylea Jarvi, RN; Katy Campbell, RN; Mat Dejene (traveler); Alyssa Padden, RN; Hanna Derby, RN; Morgan Murphy, RN; Alivia Veres, RN; Martha Kruger, RN; Pamela Olson, RN; Lauren Angeli, RN; Carly Kangas, RN; Hannah Hinze, RN; Kayla Sather, RN; Jae Wiedenhoefer, RN; Jennifer Thompson, RN; Sidney Mainville, RN; Kim Parks, PA; Tasha Opalka, RN; Bre Moore, RN; Patrick Hulahand, RN; Kellen Kline, RN; Jamie Beaubier, RN; Lindsay Heino, RN; Tyler Potila, RN; and Christina Hanson, RN.

The DAISY Foundation was created in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died in 1999 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. The care Barnes and his family received from nurses during his illness inspired the foundation and its global effort to honor and thank nurses for their skill and compassion. (DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.)

Patients, families and colleagues may nominate nurses for the DAISY Award. Nominations are reviewed by a committee at UP Health System – Marquette, and honorees are celebrated during a formal presentation attended by peers, leadership and family. Each DAISY Award recipient receives a certificate, a DAISY Award pin and a hand-carved sculpture titled A Healer's Touch, created by artists of the Shona tribe in Zimbabwe.

To nominate a nurse for the DAISY Award, visit our website. To learn more about the DAISY Foundation, visit The DAISY Foundation.