Connect

"The light she has brought with her is so meaningful."

The BEE Award recognizes UVA Health University Medical Center team members who work alongside our nurses to impact patients' experiences — just as bees and flowers depend on one another.

UVA Health University Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Min Lee, MHA, MBA, and Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) President Amy Jordan, BSN, RN, PMGT-BC, surprised Albina Blanco, Environmental Services, with a BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) Award.

Amy Hughes-Gross, BSN, RN, CNRN, SCRN, submitted a nomination on behalf of the 6 Central team — collectively nominating their "very deserving" team member:

"Albina became our designated environmental services support around summer 2023 and the light she has brought with her is so meaningful to the team and our patients. Below are specific remarks made by 6 Central team members. The common theme is that Albino is kind, engaging, and positive. Her energy and dedication to her role in patient well-being is obvious when you observe her interactions — but also when you consider how much she has impacted patient experience scores for 6 Central."

'We appreciate Albina so much! She is so kind and willing to help know matter what she is doing. She greets me with a warm smile and cheerful good morning every day. I am not naturally super outgoing but her warm greetings have made me want to work harder at being the first to greet someone when I walk on the unit. I often see when she enters a patient room she always greets them and talks with the patient and family members.'

''Albina has always been an absolute delight on the unit with a sunny disposition and a really kind presence that brightens up the unit from the very first shift she worked with us! She is always extremely thorough with her work, and I know that whenever she is on unit that things will be done efficiently, appropriately, and better than I could've hoped!'

'She is always extremely friendly with a glowing smile. She knows our names and it shows that she truly cares. She is always available to help!'

'Albina always brings in her positivity to the unit and helps out wherever and whenever she can. Her smile truly lights up my day when I work morning shifts!'

'She is always friendly and pleasant and quick to respond with any requests. She's the best housekeeper we've had in YEARS! She's fantastic!'

'Albina really embodies what the BEE Award stands for: Being Excellent Everyday. She comes in toward the end of night shift, but never fails to have a smile on her face and to put a smile on mine, too — no matter how my day went up until that point. She is excellent at her job, but more than that, she goes out of her way to help us if we need it. I really can't say enough how amazing Albina is, but she is more than deserving of this award!'

'Albina is such a joy to work alongside! Every morning she always greets me with a smile and asks how I am doing. She always shares a warm smile with patients and she will brighten up your day with her positive aura. She always seems to be in such a good mood — it makes me smile!'

'Albina deserves a BEE Award because she does such a great job greeting each patient with a friendly smile and ensures they are satisfied with her job!'

'Albina is so friendly and responsive. She greets me every time I walk past her and asks how I am doing. I always see her smiling and I feel that she is a positive and engaged team member.'

'Albina always is friendly and says good morning to me and others. She always asks patients if it is all right to come into their room and clean. I love having her as our housekeeper.'

'Albina is the first to greet everyone in the morning with a smile on her face — ALWAYS. She pays attention to when a room is in need of cleaning and takes the appropriate steps to ensure the room is in the best shape it can be. She likes her unit to be nothing less than the best. She interacts with our patients by talking to them while she cleans and makes sure they don't need anything. Having Albina around with her positivity everyday is such a blessing!'"

Know a Deserving Team Member?

Up to two UVA Health University Medical Center team members are recognized this way by NPGO every month. Submit a nomination.