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"Mary Henderson is the sun and the rain that keeps us all blooming!" 

UVA Health University Medical Center team members are raving about an Administrative Assistant on their unit. Associate Chief Nurse Officer Veronica Brill, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, and BEE Committee Vice Chair Allisha Shifflett surprised Mary Henderson, 6 Central, with a BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) Award.

'The One in Charge'

Heather Turner, BSN, SCRN, RN, CNRN, nominated Henderson:

"Mary Henderson has worked at UVA Health for more than 18 years, first as a Health Unit Coordinator (HUC), then, for the majority of the time, as the Administrative Assistant on 6 Central. It is a well-recognized fact that Mary is the backbone of 6C. The manager, assistant manager, Mary, and myself often comment about how Mary really runs things and about how, if both managers are out, Mary is (seriously) the one in charge.

"Recently, when both managers and I were off-unit at a meeting and there was a new charge nurse, Mary was out at the desk checking on things and recognized the unit was unusually hectic (extremely so). She immediately stepped in to help, reached out to the leadership group appropriately, making an unusual request that someone return to the unit. She helped the charge nurse log in to the a.m. staffing report and provided significant emotional support for the charge nurse. She essentially ran the unit — assisting the charge nurse until the manager arrived.

'Fountain of Knowledge'  

"Mary is a fountain of knowledge and an excellent resource for all questions, often even knowing the answer to nursing specific questions but always recognizing when to differ to those with a nursing degree. In the last week, I personally have gone to Mary for assistance with getting a broken chair repaired, getting some broken beyond repair equipment picked up, getting a table that we no longer need picked up (three unrelated situations!), online issues and reports, supply issue, how to get access to certain files, hand hygiene audit question, and help moving office furniture!

"Each and every time she was quickly responsive, extremely patient, and very helpful — as she always is. She is a constant support to the entire unit — from assisting with team member onboarding, to working to meet patient needs such as a dietary request, to reorganizing the team member locker room — everything she does makes 6 Central better!

'Near Endless Empathy'

"While Mary deserves a BEE Award for the above alone, the most exceptional thing about Mary is simply who she is as a person. I shared an office with her for many years and can attest personally that Mary is the highest caliber of human being that exists. She is kind, with near endless empathy. She will always listen until you stop talking. She never interrupts — this feat alone deserves recognition in my book!

"Her patience is remarkable. She is incredibly fair and non-judgmental. She is as honest as the day is long. There is no one I trust more than Mary. She is always professional. She is selfless to a fault. I feel like I am just listing positive character attributes and adding intensifiers, but it’s really, truly, how/who Mary is.

Standing By Her Unit

"A big example that comes to mind is from a few years ago, but I think it really shows how remarkable Mary is and how dedicated to 6 Central she has always been. Because we were sharing an office at the time, I was privy to some of Mary’s more private conversations, thus I was aware that someone reached out to her about becoming a higher-level AA, for someone in the C-Suite, I believe. Not only would this role have been a promotion, but would have come with a significant raise.

"However, our long-term manager had just retired; our new manager was very green ... and frequently having to work from home; we had no assistant manager; pandemic staffing was rough. Mary TURNED DOWN THE OPPORTUNITY because she did not feel she could leave 6 Central at that time, even though it would have been a professional and financial gain for herself.

"That is the kind of support she provides to the unit and the kind of person she is. She is an example to us all and I truly try to be more like her every day. She is more than a BEE among DAISies. Mary Henderson is the sun and the rain that keeps us all blooming!"

'Extraordinary Caregiver'

Nurse Manager Ashley Fink, BSHP, BSN, RN, also nominated Henderson:

"Mary exemplifies every quality recognized by the BEE Award and is truly essential to the success, stability, and positivity of our unit.

"Mary consistently goes above and beyond her standard job requirements. She independently manages and creates the staffing schedule for the entire unit — an incredibly complex and high-impact responsibility. She approaches this task with fairness, insight, and a deep understanding of team dynamics. She thoughtfully considers how even the smallest change could affect team members, patients, and workflow. Her attention to detail ensures our unit is always set up for success.

Unmatched Knowledge

"Her knowledge of unit processes is unmatched; she 'knows everything,' and because of this, she keeps 6C running smoothly behind the scenes every day. She ensures team members are properly educated and up-to-date, maintains meticulous meeting minutes, keeps inventory and supply ordering organized, and prevents countless issues before they even arise. As I am newer to the manager role, Mary helps by keeping me up-to-date and in-check with what's going on.

"She also supports team members beyond her role by regularly covering our HUCs so they can take meaningful breaks — demonstrating her commitment to teamwork and team member well-being. She is always professional, approachable, and dependable. Even on her days off, she remains available and responsive whenever the team needs guidance.

"As the unit’s Hand Hygiene Champion, she models excellence in patient safety and serves as a leader in promoting best practices. She works all holidays without complaint, demonstrating exceptional dedication to both her role and her team.

'Uplifting Our Unit Daily'

"Her positive attitude radiates throughout the unit. She welcomes every patient and family member with warmth, patience, and compassion — contributing significantly to a positive patient experience. She listens without judgment, offers thoughtful guidance, and is someone team members naturally turn to for support. Her integrity, kindness, and calm presence are uplifting our unit daily.

"Mary reflects all the values of UVA Health’s Professional Practice Model: Expert Caring, Empowered Leadership, Innovation, Lifelong Learning, Teamwork, and Quality Achievement. She is the definition of an extraordinary caregiver, even in a non-clinical role, and her impact reaches every corner of 6C.

"Mary is truly the glue that holds our unit together, and her contributions deserve recognition and celebration!"

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.