The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Keystone Center recognized Season Willi, RN at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, as its quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award recipient May 8.
The Speak-up! Award honors individuals or teams in Michigan hospitals who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to preventing harm to patients or staff. Willi was honored for speaking up when she noticed a patient’s guardian needed medical intervention during a pre-operative admissions call.
Willi noticed irregularities in the guardian’s speech before their call was disconnected. After attempting to reconnect multiple times, Willi contacted local authorities to conduct a welfare check. First responders brought the individual to the hospital to be treated for a stroke following Willi’s request.
“I’m relieved that the individual I spoke to over the phone received the medical attention they needed,” said Willi. “We are trained to remain vigilant for life-threatening symptoms, such as changes in speech patterns, and we hold a responsibility to intervene — even when the individual is not directly under our care.”
It was later learned that the individual was home alone and would have been for several more hours had Willi not intervened.
“Season’s critical thinking, life-saving instincts and deep compassion are at the core of who she is as a nurse. Her proactive intervention ensured that the patient received timely, emergent care — ultimately saving his life, “said Lindsey Wyman, Director of Nursing, Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. “Because of her swift action, he was able to return home to his family and resume the hobbies that he loves. We are all incredibly grateful for her expertise and decisive action, and thankful that this patient is now on the path to recovery.
Additional Speak-up! finalists for the first quarter of 2025 included:
- Gabe Pierce, RN, University of Michigan Health-Sparrow
- Kevin Komara, Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital
“It’s a privilege to celebrate nurses like Season that go above and beyond,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “”Her quick action reflects Bronson Healthcare’s commitment to the safety of the communities it serves, extending beyond the walls of its facilities.
More information about the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award, including criteria and a nomination form, are available online.