Heather Hastings receives Lake Michigan College Spirit of Nursing Award for Fall 2023

Heather Hastings of Coloma is the recipient of Lake Michigan College's Spirit of Nursing Award out of 19 graduating nursing students for the Fall 2023 semester.

"Heather was nominated by multiple classmates and chosen among the nominees by the faculty to receive this award," LMC Nursing Director Denise Gardner said. "Her peers describe Heather as 'the mom of our group, always there for everyone,' and that 'throughout the nursing program, Heather has always been quick to help out a classmate.' Another shared an appreciation for Heather's calm manner during stressful times. Those are just a few reasons we are proud to bestow this honor on her."

Hastings, known for frequently telling classmates, "We've got this," and "You are stronger than you will ever give yourself credit," graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 2002. She has spent the past 10 years working at Corewell Health South in St. Joseph and works in the Utilization Review Department. After graduation, Hastings plans to continue her career with Corewell Health South as a nurse in the Cardiac Progressive Care Unit.

"Cardiac was my home unit when I first started this journey, and I am so happy to return to my roots," Hastings said. "I was honestly quite shocked to receive this award. It truly is an honor to be chosen. We have such an amazing cohort, and I deeply appreciate them all. I would love to thank my support system through this journey – they know who they are – and my sons, Zach and Shane, for being such amazing young men and surviving nursing school with me no matter how chaotic life became."

The LMC nursing faculty awards the Spirit of Nursing honor for the Fall and Spring cohorts. Nursing students eligible for the Fall 2023 award began their nursing course studies in the Spring 2022 semester.

Criteria for the award include a caring attitude towards patients and peers, the ability to collaborate in academic and healthcare settings, an attitude of inclusivity, civility, and respect for diversity, a demonstration of integrity and ethics, and a commitment to excellence and leadership.

For more information about LMC’s nursing program, visit lakemichigancollege.edu/nursing.