Metro Health Hospital has named Lana Buning its 2008 Nurse Exemplar.
The award is given annually to recognize a registered nurse involved in direct patient care at Metro Health who has demonstrated exceptional nursing practice. Candidates are nominated by their peers. Metro's Professional Nursing Council evaluates nominations based on the nurses' ability to deliver outstanding care, stimulate critical thinking in their peers, provide continuous assistance, serve as mentors and positively influence the work of the entire health-care team.
Buning joined Metro Health's surgery prep and recovery unit in 2003. An active volunteer, she has twice worked in the New Orleans area with residents displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Locally, she has organized flu shot clinics in the inner city and volunteered her time at area nursing homes.
Her nomination form noted: "Lana exceedingly fulfills the criterion of outstanding direct care that goes above and beyond what is expected. She gives 100 percent of herself in the care of her patients in many ways. Patient care is top priority.
"Additionally, she is an outstanding role model to her peers. She uses her experience of overcoming obstacles to support peers and patients who are struggling through difficult times."
Buning resides in Grand Rapids with her husband, Rex. The couple has four children: Allen, Brent, Becky and Ivana.