Sparrow Ionia Caregivers Honored with BEE Awards

Published: January 29, 2024

IONIA, MI – Sparrow Ionia Hospital recently honored two caregivers with BEE Awards for their character and dedication to patients.

Nominated by fellow caregivers, emergency department Unit Secretary Kian Bednarz and environmental services Technician Michelle Remington both received the BEE Award.

When a patient’s visit to the emergency department meant missing their child’s wedding, Bednarz wasted no time in organizing a Zoom call to ensure the patient could still witness the ceremony. Bednarz, who has worked at Sparrow Ionia since 2021, continually strives to provide each patient with a positive experience.

“Kian always comes to work with a smile on his face,” said Sparrow Ionia Hospital emergency department Manager Tara Lanz, MSN, RN. “He is willing to do anything the team needs to provide excellent care.”

Kian Bednarz & Michelle Remington, Ionia BEE Awards - January 2024

Caregivers Kian Bednarz and Michelle Remington were recently honored as Sparrow Ionia Hospital BEE Award recipients.

Remington, who has worked at Sparrow Ionia since 2009, is a kind, busy, and hardworking caregiver known for ensuring the hospital maintains a high level of cleanliness.

“Michelle is a reliable, detail-oriented person who always greets caregivers and patients with a smile,” said Steve Dexter, MSN, RN, CNRN, Sparrow Ionia Hospital director of operations. “She is an integral part of the Sparrow Ionia team, and we appreciate her for all she does.”

The BEE Award recognizes excellence among clinical support caregivers who work alongside nursing teams to deliver quality, compassionate care. BEE is an acronym for Be Exceptional Every day. Acknowledging the strength behind teamwork, the award is given in conjunction with the DAISY Award to symbolize the relationship between nursing and clinical support caregivers - the same way bees and flowers depend on each other. For more information or to nominate a clinical support caregiver, visit Sparrow.org/BEE.

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Sparrow is Mid-Michigan’s premier healthcare organization and includes hospitals in Lansing, Carson City, Charlotte, Ionia and St. John, as well as Sparrow Specialty Hospital, Sparrow Care Network, Sparrow Medical Group, the Michigan Athletic Club, and AL!VE. Sparrow is part of University of Michigan Health. Through 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.