Awards, United Hospital

Alicia Blackmer Recognized for Nursing Leadership

Spectrum Health hospital supervisor given DAISY Nurse Leader Award

GREENVILLE, Mich., May 10, 2021 – Alicia Blackmer, RN, was recognized by her peers with a DAISY Nurse Leader Award May 6 at Spectrum Health United Hospital where she works as a hospital supervisor.

Blackmer was nominated by Russ Burgdorf, III, a respiratory therapy manager of the Select Unit at Blodgett Hospital who also works occasionally at United Hospital.

“During my recent shift, Alicia demonstrated superior teamwork, leadership and compassion—as she does frequently,” the nomination read in part. “She was able to calm a very distressed patient and re-apply heated high flow when others including myself failed. Her candor and connection with patients continuously supports the floor clinicians on each and every shift she is present.”

Blackmer joined United Hospital in 2011, working in the inpatient and intensive care units before quickly progressing to a charge nurse on the unit. She was promoted to hospital supervisor in 2015.

“Alicia is a true professional who exhibits compassionate leadership every day,” said Therese Alt, director of nursing at Spectrum Health United and Kelsey Hospitals. “She’s very deserving of the award and our entire clinical team congratulates her.”

Blackmer, a Big Rapids native, earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Ferris State University in 2011. She lives in Greenville with her husband Nick and their two young children.

United Hospital Birthing Center Manager Kourtney Quinn presented Blackmer with the award, the first Nurse Leader Award given at United and Kelsey Hospitals.

The DAISY award program was adopted from The DAISY Award, an international program established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. The Barnes family was deeply appreciative of the clinical skills, caring and compassion of the nurses who cared for Patrick, so they created an award to say thank you to nurses everywhere.

United and Kelsey Hospitals have expanded the recognition program to include the BEE award, open to all clinical and non-clinical employees, in addition to nurses.

Nominations are open for any Spectrum Health employee who regularly goes above and beyond in creating a meaningful experience for patients. The awards are given based on nominations from patients, community members and colleagues.

Nomination forms can be found at any Spectrum Health facility or submitted online at: https://www.onlineregistrationcenter.com/UHKHDaisyAwards

 

About Spectrum Health

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides care and coverage, comprising 31,000+ team members, 14 hospitals (including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital), a robust network of care facilities, teams of nationally recognized doctors and providers, and the nation’s third-largest provider-sponsored health plan, Priority Health, currently serving over 1 million members across the state of Michigan.

People are at the heart of everything we do. Locally governed and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we are focused on our mission: to improve health, inspire hope and save lives. Spectrum Health has a legacy of strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Through experience, innovation and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness.

 

Contact:
John Norton
Corporate Communications Manager
Office: 231.592.4387
Mobile: 231.580.1079
Email: john.norton@corewellhealth.org