Deerfield Beach, FL: Watson Caring Science Institute (WCSI) has awarded Trinity Health Grand Rapids the coveted Lotus Recognition™, honoring its commitment to embedding Watson’s Caring Science and the 10 Caritas Processes® into nursing practice, leadership and community health programs.
This achievement reflects the hospital's long-standing tradition of compassionate care, rooted in the mission of the Sisters of Mercy since 1893. Today, that mission thrives through initiatives like the ‘Caritas is Our Culture’ seminar, a cornerstone of the nurse residency program that reconnects nurses to their purpose and promotes human-centered care. Its success has expanded to nurse leaders, amplifying its impact across the organization.
The recognition also highlights the ‘TogetherTeam Virtual Connected Care™’ model, which combines advanced technology with Caritas principles to enhance bedside support, mentoring and patient assessment, proving virtual care can deepen human connection.
Beyond the hospital, programs such as ‘Food Is Medicine’ and ‘Prescription for Health’ address food insecurity and chronic disease management, extending Caring Science into the community.
“This recognition affirms what we live every day: that caring is not just what we do, it’s who we are,” said Michelle Peña, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, regional chief nursing officer at Trinity Health Michigan. “Our caregivers lead with compassion and presence, ensuring every patient and family feels valued and supported.”
"Caritas calls us to honor the dignity of every individual,” said Gina Gent, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, NE-BC, Caritas leader and director of nursing practice & development at Trinity Health Grand Rapids. “It shapes our practice, our leadership and our relationships, making compassion the cornerstone of everything we do.”
Through professional development, innovative care models and community partnerships, Trinity Health Grand Rapids demonstrates that Watson’s Caring Science is more than an initiative, it’s a way of being.
ENDS
About Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital: Grand Rapids Hospital is an integrated health care network offering a unique combination of capabilities to deliver a health care experience that offers both compassionate care and medical expertise. Our commitment to offer the latest technology and most highly skilled physicians in a holistic, patient-centered environment has made us a progressive leader in neuroscience, cardiovascular and cancer care, orthopedics, diabetes and endocrine care, kidney transplants, and integrative medicine. Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital is a member of Trinity Health, the country’s second-largest Catholic health care system. To learn more about Trinity Health Grand Rapids, visit https://www.trinityhealthmichigan.org/trinity-health-grand-rapids-hospital
About Watson Caring Science Institute (WCSI): The Watson Caring Science Institute (WCSI) is an international non-profit organization that advances the philosophies, theories, and practices of Human Caring/Caring Science, founded by Jean Watson, Ph.D., RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, LL (AAN), WCSI’s Founder & Director. Focusing on research, education, praxis, leadership, and legacy, the institute aims to widen the development and understanding of Watson’s Caring Science to inform our notion of quality care and healing environments through various educational programs, nurse scientific research, partnerships, events and affiliations. For more information, please visit www.watsoncaringscience.org.
For Press inquiries: robert@watsoncaringscience.org .
For further information about Lotus Recognition please contact Dianne Reid, Program Enrichment Director, at dianne@watsoncaringscience.org