May 10, 2012 – Monroe, Mich. - Robyn Bonifacio, RN has been honored as Mercy Memorial Hospital System’s first DAISY Award winner.

The DAISY Award is an international program which rewards excellence in nursing.  It was created by the DAISY Foundation to recognize clinical skills, extraordinary compassion and care exhibited by nurses every day.

The DAISY Foundation began in memory of Patrick Barnes, 33, who died from complications of idiopathic thrombocystpenic purpura (ITP).  The DAISY Foundation is dedicated to funding research to help fight immune system diseases.  Since Patrick and his family were touched with remarkable care during his illness, the family made it their mission to recognize exceptional nurses around the country.

A graduate of Monroe High School, Bonifacio entered cosmetology as her first career choice. After several years as a certified cosmetologist, she did not feel complete and was looking for a more meaningful career. She applied and entered the nursing program at Monroe County Community College and earned her RN degree in 2004. She began her career at MMHS July 2004 in the emergency department and transferred to MMHS Hospice in 2007.

Bonifacio was honored after working with a particularly difficult case – difficult in the sense that the patient was a teenager. The family thought their child had passed at home, and called both Hospice and 911. When Bonifacio arrived at the home almost immediately after the call, and at the same time medics were present upon her arrival working on the patient for a transfer to the emergency department.  Unfortunately the parents had neither transportation to the hospital nor a caregiver for their other children at home, and were going to stay at home. Bonifacio thought the parents needed to be at their child’s bedside to make decisions and direct the emergency department of their wishes since their child was a minor. Other hospice staff offered to sit with the children and provide support until other family members could arrive and Bonifacio drove the parents to be with their child and supported them through the next couple of hours of difficult decisions. The patient passed away peacefully that afternoon and Bonifacio remained by their side throughout the entire time, even after other family members arrived and the emergency department took over the case.

“I would like to recognize Robin for going above and beyond in providing support to the patient and his entire family during one of the worst times any parent or family could imagine enduring,” said Sandy Oetting, RN, BC, MSN, NP, CHPN, Hospice Manager. “Robyn has been outstanding employee during her employment at Hospice. She receives KUDOS routinely from patients and families and facilities for providing outstanding care. She is an exemplary employee who demonstrates professionalism and compassion in every aspect of her life and in the care she provides.”

Bonifacio was not only presented her award during a recent staff meeting, but she will also be honored during Nurses’ Week, May 6-12.  She also received a DAISY Award signature lapel pin and a hand-carved sculpture “A Healer’s Touch.”  To further celebrate, Hospice staff were treated to Cinnabon’s cinnamon rolls – with the reminder that the scent will remind them of how special they are and how important their work is.

Forms for nominations are available on the nursing units and can be completed and returned to the unit for consideration. In addition, an electronic version is available on www.mercymemorial.org.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System is an integrated health care provider that offers a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services. Our network of care begins at Mercy Memorial Hospital and extends to Macomb Pharmacy, the Hospice of Monroe, HomeCare Connection, Home Respiratory Care, the Nursing Center, outpatient rehabilitation, outreach labs and a collection of primary and specialty physician offices.

Quality and patient safety are hallmarks of Mercy Memorial Hospital System’s mission. A national leader in the treatment of heart attack, congestive heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care, Mercy Memorial is also a pacesetter in Michigan for obstetrics, emergency care, intensive care, controlling infections and organ donation.