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Supporting our strategic plan initiative of Best Place to Work, UVA Health University Medical Center welcomed more than 600 team members to its Fall Back Celebration, held annually as clocks retreat an hour — this year, in the very early morning hours of Nov. 3.

"Back in 2015, one of our nurses had a brilliant idea to celebrate this time change with her fellow night shift team members," says Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, FACHE, UVA Health University Medical Center CEO in her latest Vision and Voice blog post. "Since then, they’ve turned what could’ve been a tiring long shift into a fun tradition with snacks, coffee, prizes, and connection. This year, we celebrated again ... enjoying each other’s company and festive fun as the clock wound back!"

“We love this annual opportunity to celebrate our amazing night shift!” says Elizabeth Carey Feola, Rewards and Recognition Specialist, who led the planning again of the celebration that retained the successful "Back to the Future" theme for a second year, kicking off at midnight.

The Rewards and Recognition team played 1980s music. Higher Grounds in the East Hospital Cafeteria provided complimentary coffee, espresso drinks, and hot chocolate for team members. "We extend a special shout out to Lou, Danny, and Joe from Higher Grounds from working so hard until 2 a.m. for our team members!" adds Feola.

Morrison Catering provided snacks and snack boxes. Custom cookies were ordered from the local Great Harvest Bread Company.

Attendees hail the celebration as a fun way to be appreciated when working an extra hour, get a break during a long shift, and catch up with team members from other departments and units. Participants also are impressed by the quality and amount of treats, and that snack boxes are delivered to those who can’t attend so everyone gets something — even if they're busy. The Rewards and Recognition team delivered items to Pegasus, Call Center, Cardiac Monitoring Unit, and Stacey Hall Lab.

Night shift team members have fewer opportunities to interact with other departments at UVA Health, so the Fall Back Celebration also offered them an opportunity to connect in person with resource representatives who otherwise work daytime business hours. UVA Health leadership, Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP), Hoos Well, Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO), UVA Safety and Security, and others once again were on hand.

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