IONIA, MI – University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Ionia has named Sharon Shaw, RN, BSN, as its 2024 Nurse of the Year.

Shaw, a house supervisor for UM Health-Sparrow Ionia, has been a nurse for over 35 years, spending the majority of that time with Sparrow Health System and the past five years at UM Health-Sparrow Ionia. Shaw was recognized for this prestigious honor for her:

• N: Never-ending compassion
• U: Unyielding advocacy for patients
• R: Resourcefulness and creative use of resources
• S: Setting an example for others
• E: Excellence in care to patients and fellow caregivers

“Sharon is such a benefit to UM Health-Sparrow Ionia and to the nursing community, as she has served as a nurse for over 35 years. She is often described as leading her team through compassion and understanding, while also providing patient care through the same approach. Her dedication to her team and patients is appreciated and does not go unnoticed,” said Tiffany Friar, RN, DNP, MBA, chief nursing officer at UM Health-Sparrow Ionia.

A fellow team member nominated Shaw for the award stating, “She is a hard-working exceptional nurse, is always willing to help team members and advocates for her patients,” and she is a “valuable asset to the Ionia team.”

“Sharon is the depiction of empathy, compassion, kindness and advocacy. She makes being a nurse unique, in how she has inspired many nurses as they advance in their careers and all the ways she demonstrates kindheartedness to her patients. She is a dedicated person who found her passion in caring for others,” said Steve Dexter, RN, MSN, CNRN, director of operations at UM Health-Sparrow Ionia.

To learn more about nursing careers at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, go to www.UofMHealthSparrow.org/Nursing.

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University of Michigan Health-Sparrow 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, 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.