LANSING | Linda Grelck's work at St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center in Hammond earns praise from patients and coworkers.

Grelck, a nursing assistant 2 in Pediatrics/MedSurg at the north campus, was chosen as a March GEM (Going the Extra Mile). The co-worker who nominated Grelck said she is conscientious about her job and that her own day is brighter when she works with Grelck. Her compassion for patients and families also extends to her co-workers, she's always ready with any assistance they need.

"I was flattered," she said of receiving the award that includes an engraved plaque, $100 Visa card and priority parking for a month.

Grelck works directly with patients in her care assisting with activities of daily life. She also is the floor unit clerk responsible for putting in doctor's orders and ordering supplies for the floor.

Her work is demanding and requires a lot of patience and compassion.

"I pray every day to have patience and empathy and not to judge people," she said. "We see people at their worst. We don't know their walk of live. But I love people and try to be compassionate to them all."

Grelck is a certified nursing assistant 2 and has been employed by St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare System since August 1998. She lives in Lansing and has three children.