UP Health System – Marquette Honors Olivia, RN, and Jennifer, RN, with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®

UP Health System – Marquette is proud to recognize Olivia, RN, and Jennifer, RN, as last quarter’s recipients 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.

Olivia and Jennifer were nominated for their extraordinary dedication and compassion in caring for a long-term behavioral health patient with complex needs. Their commitment transformed not only the experience of this patient but also demonstrated the very heart of nursing: providing holistic, human-centered care that supports the physical, emotional and psychological well-being of those we serve.

From the beginning, Olivia established a foundation of trust with the patient, an individual who had experienced years of instability and homelessness. Her tireless efforts to gently guide him toward essential self-care activities like bathing, eating, drinking water and changing clothes helped him reclaim a sense of dignity and autonomy that had long been lost. Olivia’s compassionate consistency and gentle encouragement became a catalyst in the patient’s healing process.

In addition to the direct care she provided, Olivia ensured the patient’s family and legal guardian, who lived out of state, were kept informed and involved in the care plan. Her seamless coordination with them provided a critical layer of support and advocacy.

When it came time for the patient’s surgery, Olivia went above and beyond, picking up an extra shift the day before to prepare. She remained by his side throughout the procedure, comforting, advocating and ensuring every detail was managed with care and intention.

Jennifer also played a pivotal role in this patient’s journey. From day one, she advocated for his acceptance into care, recognizing his potential despite a complicated clinical picture. Jennifer’s unwavering commitment, particularly during moments when the patient was withdrawn or unengaged, helped him begin to rejoin the world around him.

She encouraged him to participate in meals, gently coaxed him out of his room and nurtured a therapeutic connection that became foundational to his progress. Even while navigating her own health challenges, Jennifer never faltered in her care or commitment. Her consistent advocacy was essential in moving the patient toward recovery.

Together, Olivia and Jennifer exemplify the highest standards of nursing: empathy, perseverance, skill and above all, the belief in the dignity of every individual. Their work profoundly impacted one patient’s life and uplifted the entire Behavioral Health team.

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the entire Behavioral Health team, whose collaborative, compassionate care created an environment for healing. Special thanks to Jill and Payton, whose leadership and coordination ensured timely and effective care before and after the patient’s surgery.

Please join us in congratulating Olivia and Jennifer, our DAISY Award Honorees. We are deeply proud of their extraordinary work and thankful to have them as part of our team.

UP Health System – Marquette also extends recognition to the many remarkable nurses nominated for the DAISY Award this quarter:

• Brian Stasevich, RN
• Heather Jahfetson, RN
• James VanEck, RN
• Katie, RN
• Jae, RN
• Dani Hollenbeck, RN
• Crystal Sleeter, Care Aide; Nykole Fitzgibbon, RN; Elizabeth Farrell-Davey, RN
• David Perian, RN; Matt Schlenkert, RN (PACU); Mera Enos, RN
• Natalie Bordson, RN; Whitleigh Jarvis, Care Aide; Jamie Christiansen, RN
• Sidney Mainville, RN
• Makaya Lathers, RN
• Alysa Kilpela, RN
• Nicole Cooke, RN
• Garret, RN
• Emma Evans, RN
• Jordan Emerick, RN
• Han, RN
• Miranda Badour, RN
• Sara Urcavich, RN; Hayley Chapman, RN
• Tasha Opalka, RN
• Jolene Congdon, Care Aide
• Olivia Koepp, RN
• Lise Plis, LPN

The DAISY Foundation was created in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) in 1999. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses during his illness inspired this international program of gratitude for the nursing profession. (DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.)

Nurses may be nominated by patients, families or colleagues. At UP Health System – Marquette, nominations are reviewed by a committee, and honorees are celebrated during a formal ceremony with peers, leadership and loved ones. 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.

UP Health System exemplifies the compassion and clinical excellence that The DAISY Award honors. We are proud to recognize the contributions of Olivia, Jennifer, and their colleagues.”

Meg McConnell, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at UP Health System – Marquette, added:

“At UP Health System, our nurses are the heart of our organization. Olivia and Jennifer’s unwavering dedication, empathy, and clinical excellence reflect the true spirit of nursing. Their ability to advocate for and uplift our most vulnerable patients is nothing short of inspiring. We are proud to honor them, and all of our DAISY nominees, for the profound impact they make each and every day.”

To nominate a nurse for the DAISY Award, please visit our website. For more information about The DAISY Foundation, visit www.daisyfoundation.org.