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"We hope Gemma Vasquez keeps singing and shining!"

UVA Health University Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC, FAAN, and BEE Award Committee Chair Samantha Shifflett surprised Gemma Vasquez, PCT, 5 West, with a BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) Award.

A patient's family member nominated the patient care technician:

"I would like to nominate Gemma for not just how she took care of my dad — but also our family. She was always on hand to help and to reassure my father and mom. My mom was anxious about leaving my father for the night — everyone was anxious including me. Gemma held both my parents hands' when my mom asked if she would pray with us and made sure that my mom knew that Dad would not be alone throughout the night and Gemma would check on him.

"It was overwhelming for us and even when she wasn't with us, she still came in to say hello and check on my father. She was very observant to my father's emotions — the only reason we left the hospital was because we felt my father was in safe hands with her. My father had felt embarrassed about things he could not do for himself, but she made the situation lightful and joked so much, he forgot about that.

"She also heavily involved my mom in his care. which made Mom happy. Gemma had a happy nature and the biggest smile which we had not found at other hospitals ... she was always positive. There are just some things you cannot teach a person, and she has that ability to calm. My mom enjoys doing things for my father and Gemma didn't take that away from him. She let Mom change the linens with her.

"My father ... likes to sing. When we told Gemma this, she sang one of my father's favorite songs to him to get his mind off the anxiety and it worked!

"She always told us what she was going to do before she did it — we always asked questions, and she answered everything, and if she didn't know, she always told us the best person to ask. Her presence was calming to us as a family, and we felt we had known her for longer. She was attentive and put the patients first. I was worried we were taking up her time, but she told us she had plenty of time for everyone.

"We hope my father never has a hospital stay again, but if he does, we hope she is the one taking care of him. We certainly thank her in our prayers — and we hope Gemma Vasquez keeps singing and shining! Thank you, UVA Health 5 West, for such wonderful care!"

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.