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"Truly one of the best patient care technicians!"

Linda McGhee, Director, Inpatient Women’s and Children’s Services, and BEE Award Committee Vice Chair Allisha Shifflett, AEMT, surprised Emily Missana, Acute Care Pediatrics, UVA Health Children's, with a BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) Award.

A patient's family member nominated Missana:

"Emily is truly one of the best patient care technicians (PCTs) I experienced when my son was recovering from heart surgery. He suffered from really bad reflux and would throw up a lot when he was laying down overnight!

"I would spend 12 hours a day at the hospital holding him upright during feeds to ensure that he wouldn't have reflux. Leaving at night was so difficult for me. Emily would hold him frequently during his feeds at night to lessen his chances of reflux and feeling sick/uncomfortable from throwing up. She also was so wonderful when we were trying to get my son to feed using a bottle.

"Ultimately, he ended up with the G tube [gastronomy tube: surgically placed through the abdomen into the stomach], but she helped me overcome anxiety trying to get him to feed. I had PTSD from his refluxing and throwing up, and when he would gag on the bottle, it made it so hard for me to try his bottle feeds. Emily jumped right in when she would see me anxious and get him to feed on the bottle way more than I probably would have. She worked through his gagging and I truly credit her with his ability to have positive oral experiences.

"Finally, in general, she's a hard working PCT who is always trying to anticipate her patients' needs, instead of responding to them. She never stops working or sits down for a second. I always see her in and out of rooms, especially paying attention to the babies who truly need help the most! She prioritizes comforting the babies, which really puts me at ease to be able to go to the Ronald McDonald House and rest. We love Emily!!!"

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.

Every month, the Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center team members with this award. Submit a nomination.