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Christopher Smith changed their experiences for the better.

Congratulations to Christopher Smith, Clinical Technician, Emergency Department, UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center, on earning a BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) Award! As nominator and Nursing Supervisor Hilary Woodier, RN, MSN, CCRN, explains, “BEE is an acronym for Being Excellent Everyday, and Chris is a role model for BEE behaviors.”

Woodier initially praises the behaviors Smith models in his day-to-day work, writing, “He performs all his ED duties with expertise and a calm presence and fosters a positive team environment by treating all teammates with respect and professionalism. Multiple patients ask for him by name because they trust him and his skill. He shares his knowledge and expertise with new team members, and team members that are learning.”

Combining Skill With Sensitivity

Woodier then provides examples of Smith’s kindness and his way of putting patients at ease during what could be an uncomfortable process: “It is hard to write about just one instance that he has provided outstanding care because he performs them every shift. There was a patient on the unit who was an extremely difficult 'stick,' and she needed labs and an IV for medications. Chris came to the rescue! With his calm and supportive demeanor, he sat eye level with the patient and listened and asked permission just to see if there was an opportunity for an IV to be placed.”

“Right away, the patient calmed down and agreed to his request. Chris efficiently and respectfully performed the IV task, and the patient was amazed that he only had to try once. He was able to gain her trust and change her experience for the better.” 

Easing Anxiety and Improving Treatment

Woodier adds, “Chris was the only person who could reach another patient who had been refusing all blood draws and IV starts. His condition was rapidly worsening, but he had continued to refuse this care. Chris was able to reach him by sitting with the patient, speaking calmly and respectfully.” 

“He addressed the patient by his former military rank and asked for his permission to try to help him to feel better by allowing for IV fluids and medications. The patient calmed down and did allow Chris to start the IV and draw blood, which enabled the medical team to offer him treatment and comfort.”

From these examples, it's clear the talent and the compassion Smith puts into his work make a big difference to our patients and better enable our clinical teams to provide the best care they can. 

In His Own Words

Smith has been working in healthcare for nearly four decades; nearly two of them, at UVA Health.

He says: “After 39 years of taking care of God's children in healthcare, I find the best part is just enjoying the interaction with the patients and teammates. I have been doing ultrasound IVs for many years and have been blessed to be quite successful in that endeavor. UVA Health also has given me great opportunities to learn new things.”

When asked about winning the BEE Award, Smith responds: “It's great to know that my teammates and the patients feel I bring experience and compassion to my position.”

Know a Deserving Team Member?

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

Recipients go above and beyond to support our mission and uplift our teams. Nominate a UVA Health Culpeper, Haymarket, or Prince William Medical Center, or Medical Group team member, for a BEE Award.