Published: May 26, 2022
CHARLOTTE, MI – Three highly skilled caregivers have received Sparrow Eaton Hospital’s highest honors for their exceptional contributions to leading-edge patient care and the hospital’s success.
The winners of the Fulton Awards of Excellence were recognized during a recent ceremony. They are:
- Jessica Crosby, entrance coordinator, who received the non-clinical service award.
- Rachel Latunski, RN, Emergency Department manager, who received the leadership service award.
- Savannah Walser, RN, registered nurse in Med-Surg, who received the clinical service award.
Crosby, who began working at Sparrow Eaton in September 2020, played an important role during the pandemic, screening entrants, enforcing policies and often encountering emotional situations. She was recognized for her anticipation of each person’s needs and genuine commitment to patient experience and overall safety. According to Crosby’s supervisor, Jan Bannhard, “In very busy, and occasionally, very stressful situations, Jessi remains calm and kind, but firm with current screening protocol.”
“I was very touched and honored to receive the award and just want to express how appreciated this recognition is,” said Crosby. “I try my hardest to make the experience of all who enter a positive one and truly do love what I do, as well as the people I meet doing my job.”
Non-clinical Fulton Award recipient Jessica Crosby poses with her supervisor, Jan Bannhard.
Fulton Award Leadership recipient Rachel Latunski celebrates with Chief Nursing Officer Tiffany Friar.
Latunski joined the Sparrow Eaton family in November 2020. She was nominated by a fellow caregiver and recognized as a new leader who took on her role with passion and diligence. Her nomination stated that Rachel “gained trust with her team and cross-departmentally, helped caregivers navigate the ever-changing policies of COVID, supported patient surges, created improvements to E.D. workflow and all with an incredible attitude and infectious ‘how can I help?’ personality.”
“It was a true honor to be considered for this award, let alone to receive it,” said Latunski. “I am just so thankful for the opportunity to be here at Sparrow Eaton and appreciate the support I am given – especially that of Helen (Johnson, Sparrow Eaton president) and Tiffany (Friar, Sparrow Eaton chief nursing officer), and the entire E.D. team.”
Walser, who joined Sparrow Eaton in January 2017, was nominated by a patient for her ability to help navigate the many emotions of being an inpatient and her enduring kindness and compassion. CNO Tiffany Friar shared that Walser’s care for the patient was emblematic of her care for everyone, and that she is truly a light on the Med-Surg team.
“I’m so surprised and honored to receive this award. Our community deserves a healthcare team that goes above and beyond for every person that walks through our doors and it’s a privilege to work alongside the brightest and kindest people who strive to do just that. I wouldn’t be the nurse I am today without their influence,” Walser said.
Registered Nurse Savannah Walser shows off her prize package after receiving the Fulton Award in the clinical service category.
Hundreds of caregivers are nominated by peers, patients and leaders annually for the Fulton Awards. The recognition is based on consistent and outstanding customer service skills; innovation and creativity at work; and willingness to go beyond the call of duty.
The award is named in honor of Robert Fulton for his many contributions as a member of the hospital’s Board of Trustees. He was well known for helping bring to reality the hospital’s dream of offering quality, local care. He took great pride in the annual award ceremony – not because it was named after him, but because he wanted to honor the nominees and recipients and the “excellence radiating through our community hospital.”
Sparrow Eaton Hospital has been the community’s choice for healthcare for more than 85 years. The hospital is committed to working together in health to provide quality care and enhance the vitality of the community. Learn more at Sparrow.org/Eaton.
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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.