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Learn how Anaiya Roberts, CNA, makes her patients a priority.

A patient who was "beyond hurting physically ... hurting mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually," found solace in the care and counsel of a UVA Health University Medical Center team member.

And for that, Associate Chief Nursing Officer Veronica Brill, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, and Jenny Ernest, Nursing Governance Coordinator, Nursing Professional Governance Office, surprised Anaiya Roberts, Certified Nursing Assistant, 6 West, with a BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) Award.

The patient submitted an emotional nomination of Roberts:

"I was on Day 4 post-op of a particularly complicated surgery, and beyond hurting physically — I was hurting mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. Some good friends had just visited me, and despite being excited to have seen them, I expressed to Anaiya that for some reason I felt like crying.

"Anaiya looked at me and suggested that I do just that: cry. Immediately, I burst into tears, and Anaiya looked me in the eyes and took my hands. I said that I was confused by my feelings, and she reassured me that feeling exhausted by having had visitors after having surgery was completely normal.  

"As I cried, I asked why I couldn't seem to stop, and Anaiya was incredibly compassionate. She encouraged me to feel my feelings, led me in some calming breathing exercises, and encouraged me to simply give in to my feelings. This all came as a great relief. She talked to me about releasing stress, and she listened as I told of one feeling after another, and I felt very grateful to her.

"After speaking with her, I was able to understand that my feelings were deeper than I'd first believed. She helped me to realize that apparently somewhere deep in my subconscious I must have had an expectation to be able to — at some point early post-op — jump out of the bed and dance/walk down the hallway unassisted. Anaiya helped me in so many ways to understand that these expectations were not out of the ordinary and that I would eventually be all right.

"Being a patient in a hospital is a humbling experience. I was in a foreign environment, where I felt my every need depended on the willingness of someone else. Anaiya spent a great deal of time with me, and I felt as if I was her only priority. She helped me to feel human, understood, and 'not alone' — and for that I am extremely grateful!" 

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.