Brittany Hernandez, medical surgical unit registered nurse supervisor at Eaton Rapids Medical Center (ERMC), has been named the 2025 recipient of ERMC’s Leader Meinke Sherman Care, Serve, Inspire Award.
Brittany was nominated for the 2025 Leader of the Year award by a colleague who recognized her for her upbeat personality, strong leadership, and unwavering willingness to help. When she stepped into the manager position temporarily, Brittany went above and beyond to ensure both staff and patients felt supported. Her nomination highlighted the positive impact she has had on improving communication among units and strengthening collaboration across different parts of the hospital. She is consistently looking for ways to enhance the unit and offers support wherever it is needed.
Brittany has been with ERMC since June 2017. She began her career at ERMC as a nursing assistant while attending nursing school. After graduation, she started as a graduate nurse on the medical surgical unit and has since advanced to her current role as medical surgical nursing supervisor.
“Brittany is always present on the floor offering help to staff and taking on patients when needed,” the nomination read. “She is always open to suggestions and strives to make changes where necessary.”
Brittany shared that her favorite part of her job is the dual impact she can have on both people and processes. “I am truly passionate about empowering my team through collaboration and shared decision-making, as I believe the best ideas come from those on the front lines,” Brittany said. “Simultaneously, I thrive on optimizing unit workflows and leading quality improvement initiatives that enhance our operational efficiency and, ultimately, patient care.”
When asked about her reaction to winning the award, Brittany said she was genuinely surprised and deeply honored. “Knowing the high caliber of leadership and dedication displayed by the other nominees, I truly didn’t expect to be selected,” she shared. “To be recognized alongside leaders I admire so much makes this achievement incredibly meaningful to me.”
For Brittany, the award represents the trust and respect of her colleagues. “Honestly, the most impactful part wasn’t the win itself, but knowing that a colleague took the time to intentionally recognize my contributions,” she said. “To be held in such high regard by my peers is the highest honor I could receive.”
The Meinke Sherman Care, Serve, Inspire Award was established to honor ERMC’s founding physicians, Dr. Albert Meinke and Dr. Eber Sherman. This award recognizes three employees each year for their outstanding service: a leader, a clinical staff member, and a non-clinical staff member.