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"Thank you for your dedication to excellence, Nicole Baker! We are so blessed to have someone as special as you!" 

Nicole Baker, Operating Room Assistant, has won UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center’s first BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) Award — recognizing the important relationship between nursing and other care team members. Honorees earn a certificate and a BEE pin to symbolize their commitment to collaborative, compassionate care. 

Carrie LaForge, RN, Assistant Nurse Manager, Operating Room (OR), UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center, nominated Baker for the award:

“Nicole is an integral part of the OR here at Haymarket. She is an incredible team player, as shown by her willingness to go above and beyond her job description in helping every department she can.”

'Diligence and Partnership'

“When UVA Health was impacted by the fluid shortage and some of our team members were delegated to other departments, Nicole volunteered to train at Prince William Medical Center as an anesthesia tech to help our unit until a traveler or permanent staff could be found.

"During our time of need when we didn’t have a supply coordinator, Nicole went above and beyond her job description in helping Supply Management and the OR navigate allocation of supply and fluid. This included moving and lifting boxes, unpacking, transporting, and stocking supplies daily for the OR, Endocrinology Department, Pre-Op, and PACU [Post-Anesthesia Care Unit].

“There have been many instances when, if it wasn't for Nicole and her diligence and partnership, a procedure may not have had necessary supplies for the next day.”

‘The Very Definition of ASPIRE’

“On top of being an overperformer in her work life, Nicole also is going to school and one day will transition into a scrub tech role at Haymarket Medical Center. Nicole has the best spirit and a hunger to always learn more. She brings her best self to her work every single day and it can be seen in the quality, quantity, and dependability of her work.” 

“When I consider our ASPIRE values, Nicole is the very definition of each of them. It is with great pride that the OR staff, Supply Chain Department, Summer Anderschott [Line Manager, Nurse Manager Surgical], and I recommend her for the BEE Award. Thank you for your dedication to excellence, Nicole. We are so blessed to have someone as special as you!” 

In Her Own Words: 'Fills My Heart'

Baker has been with UVA Health for two years, with the primary career goal of becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist. “I am currently enrolled at Laurel Ridge Community College and recently just accepted a seat in the Surgical Tech Program, which starts at the end of August. After completing the program and getting an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology, I will apply to join my OR team, which has become family during my scrub role position. I very much look forward to my future with UVA Health!” 

“Accepting the BEE Award has been nothing but an amazing feeling. It is an honor to be recognized. That feeling alone fills my heart. My team appreciates me, they care about me as much as I care about them, and we support each other. I am so humbled by this award — it reminds me of how fortunate I am for the journey, the hard work, and the courage to keep learning every day.” 

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 team member for a BEE Award.