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"It is a true testament to Leslie Johnson's work ethic and dedication to her role and her unit."

UVA Health University Medical Center Associate Chief Nursing Officer Veronica Brill, MSN, RN, NEA-BC and BEE Award Committee Vice Chair Victoria Gibbons surprised Leslie Johnson, Respiratory Therapist (RT), with a BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) Award.

Every month, NPGO honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center team members with this award.

Britanny Boyce nominated Johnson:

"Leslie is an established Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) nightshift RT who is well respected among her coworkers. She is hardworking and always comes to work prepared to go above and beyond in her profession.

"We had a busy night with rising acuity, and Leslie was the only RT on the unit. I was the charge nurse on 3 West Intensive Care Unit with her during this shift. We had multiple patients with increasing oxygen needs, and the two patients with highest concern were on the opposite ends of the unit.

"Leslie did not stop moving throughout the entire shift and was planning for the worst case scenario for both patients, just in case either patient were to decompensate quickly. Additionally, Leslie asked me if there was anything she could help me with throughout the shift, and each time I walked past her office at a fast pace, she jumped up and came with me in case she was needed.

"Around 4 a.m., one of our patients with a chronic tracheostomy (trach) and multiple complications, including tracheostomy size and positioning, began to drop their oxygen saturations to low levels and decompensate rapidly. The primary nurse for this patient called me and asked to get Leslie in the room ASAP.

"Leslie immediately responded and quickly realized that the patient's trach had become out of place. She promptly and clearly explained to her team what had happened, and what she needed. She asked for resources she needed immediately and appropriately, and most importantly, she remained calm throughout the process, even when the patient's oxygen saturations continued to decrease to dangerous levels.

"Leslie went into action and was able to get the patient's trach back in place without complications and the patient's oxygen saturations immediately recovered with some additional respiratory support from Leslie. Of note, this patient in particular has a tracheostomy that was placed by specialty services (Ear, Nose, Throat), which left specific instructions for if it were to come out, to which Leslie remembered and followed.

"Leslie's calm demeanor not only kept the team around her calm and ready to act, but also kept the patient's mother, who was at bedside, calm. A little while after the event, the patient's mother exited the room, found Leslie on the unit, and hugged her — tearfully and repeatedly saying, 'Thank you. You saved [the patient's] life.' Everyone working that night agreed.

"The patient is still alive because of Leslie's heroic efforts to save the patient in an emergency. Leslie handled this event with compassion and grace. It is a true testament to Leslie's work ethic and dedication to her role and her unit. I personally always feel a sense of security when I know Leslie is working with me and I know many of our MICU team members feel the same way!" 

Know a Deserving Team Member?

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. Submit a nomination.