Published: October 18, 2022
LANSING, MI -- A registered nurse at E.W. Sparrow Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) who recently helped a new mom receive life-saving care has been honored with the Sparrow Speak Up Award for advocating on behalf of patient and caregiver safety.
Rebecca Ridenour was treating a newborn at the hospital when she noticed the baby’s mother did not look well. The nurse checked the mom’s blood pressure, which was extremely high. Rebecca immediately contacted other caregivers and worked quickly to arrange the mother’s admission to the hospital. Mom was later diagnosed with preeclampsia, a high blood pressure disorder that can lead to serious health problems during pregnancy or soon after childbirth.
Celebrating E.W. Sparrow Hospital nurse Rebecca Ridenour’s Speak Up Award are (from left) Sparrow Health System Chief Clinical Officer Paul Entler, D.O.; Pamela E. Emmanuel, M.D.; Ridenour; Denny Martin, D.O., EWSH Interim President; and Candace Metcalf, D.O., Sparrow Health System Board of Directors.
E.W. Sparrow Hospital Registered Nurse Rebecca Ridenour displays her Speak Up Award.
Rebecca’s actions potentially prevented seizure, stroke, or death for the patient. High blood pressure disorders like preeclampsia during pregnancies and the postpartum period are a leading cause of maternal illness and death in the U.S.
“When we as humans stop speaking up, that means we have given up, and all hope is lost, “ said Rebecca, a Sparrow nurse for three years. “Therefore, please don’t be silent.”
The Speak Up Award is given quarterly to a Sparrow caregiver or team for speaking up on behalf of patient and caregiver safety. The health and safety of our patients, caregivers, and visitors is always our top priority.
For more information about Sparrow’s quality care, visit Sparrow.org.
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Sparrow Health System is Mid-Michigan’s premier healthcare organization and includes hospitals in Lansing, Carson City, Charlotte, Ionia and St. Johns, as well as Sparrow Specialty Hospital, Physicians Health Plan, Sparrow Care Network, Sparrow Medical Group and the Michigan Athletic Club. Sparrow is affiliated with Michigan Medicine through the Sparrow Children’s Center and with Michigan State University’s three human health colleges. Through these partnerships and the dedication of our 10,000 caregivers, Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and patient experience. For more information, visit Sparrow.org.