UP Health System – Marquette Honors Patrick Mike, RN, with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®

UP Health System – Marquette is proud to recognize Patrick Mike, RN, as this quarter’s recipient of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®. The DAISY Award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s ongoing mission to recognize the exceptional, compassionate nursing care nurses provide to patients and their families every day.

Patrick’s dedication to patient care and nursing excellence is felt across every level of the organization. Not only does he provide attentive and heartfelt care at the bedside, but he is also a key contributor to our Harms Councils, where he actively leads initiatives aimed at improving patient safety, experience and staff engagement. His influence as a rising leader and role model is deeply valued by patients and colleagues alike.

In an extraordinary testament to his impact, Patrick was nominated for this award five separate times—an uncommon and remarkable achievement. Across all his nominations, a powerful theme emerged: Patrick makes people feel cared for, seen and safe.

One patient shared how Patrick stayed late after his shift just to walk with them, talking, listening and offering comfort during a time when they had no visitors. Another nomination read, “He is honestly my favorite RN here—10/10, on the ball. If I ever have to come back, I would request him and recommend him.”

Patients consistently praised Patrick’s professionalism, deep knowledge and his calm, compassionate manner in explaining procedures and easing their worries. One patient wrote, “He treated me the way he would want his family cared for.” That sentiment, echoed by many, captures the heart of Patrick’s approach to nursing.

Another nomination highlighted how Patrick anticipated needs without being asked, ensuring meals were received, providing thoughtful touches and preserving the patient’s dignity through moments of emotional vulnerability. His ability to make people feel like human beings rather than diagnoses left a lasting impression on those in his care.

Patrick, your work exemplifies the very best of nursing—empathy, excellence and integrity. You remind all of us why we chose this profession. Your presence has uplifted patients and strengthened your team. Please join us in congratulating Patrick Mike, our DAISY Award Honoree. We are incredibly proud of you.

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

• Morgan Olivier, RN, Cardiology Department
• Shalyn Hill, RN, Family Birthing Center
• Janet Maat, RN, NICU
• Ivan Wiljanen, RN, ICU
• Chelsea Freele, RN, ICU
• Lauren Reckker, RN, ICU
• Dani Perrault, RN, ICU
• Viviane Castro, RN, Med/Surg/Oncology
• Stephanie Anderson, RN, Cancer Center
• Han Aranda, RN, Operating Room
• Jae Wiedenhofer, RN, Pre-Op
• Amy Burri, NP, Apogee
• Liz Powelson, RN, Medical Oncology
• Tracy Symons, RN, ICU
• Rob Abbott, RN, Cardiac Department
• Olivia Koepp, APU
• Krista Fuller, RN, ICU
• Marissa and Lisa, RN, Endo
• Tasha Opalka, RN, 6th Floor
• Sabrina Cox, RN, ICU
• Kate Pilarski, Family Birthing Center
• Heather Jahfetson, RN, NOP
• Corrine Dunsmore, RN, Float Pool
• Jamie Witt, RN, Cardiac Department
• Lexi Gleason, RN, ER
• Abbey Duarte, RN, ER

The DAISY Foundation was established 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 global program of gratitude for the nursing profession. (DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.)

Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. Nominations are reviewed by a committee at UP Health System – Marquette, and honorees are celebrated with a formal presentation attended by peers, family, and leadership. 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.

Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, chief executive officer and co-founder of The DAISY Foundation said, “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for their super-human, extraordinary, compassionate work. The kind of work the nurses at UP Health System – Marquette are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of the DAISY Award.”

Meg McConnell, MSN, BSN, RN, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer at UP Health System – Marquette, added, “Our nurses are the backbone of patient care. Recognizing them through the DAISY Award is one way we show our deep appreciation for the lifesaving, life-changing work they do each day. We are honored to have nurses like Patrick on our team.”

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