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Learn how this UVA Health team member creates a sense of structure and a sense of being at 'home' — in an inpatient setting.

The Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center team members each month with a BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) Award.

Chief Medical Officer Reid Adams, MD, and NPGO Nursing Recognition and Retention Specialist Ashley Noguera, PMP, surprised Melanie Wood, 4 Central Organ Transplant with a BEE Award.

Olivia Tull, RN, nominated the patient care technician:

"I have multiple examples of Melanie going the extra mile to ensure her patients and their families are well taken care of and comfortable. Our unit had a very complex patient with unique care partner needs. We learned it would not be safe to discharge this patient home, due to her lack of support. The decision was made that this patient would stay with us for the coming weeks to months, until she got strong enough to care for herself.

"During this time, her care team developed a schedule that reflected what she may have done if she was sent to a rehab or skilled nursing facility. It set up a structure for her to get out of bed each morning, do her morning hygiene, eat breakfast in the chair or at the table, go for a walk after meals, work with physical therapy frequently, etc. This schedule was important for her to have a sense of structure, and learn how to care for herself independently.

"Melanie followed this schedule to a T and not once did I see her waiver! She restructured her own day in order for this patient to be able to follow this schedule, complete tasks, and get stronger. As a nurse, I appreciated Melanie holding me accountable to this schedule as well, and helping me remember to follow the schedule, which in turn helped this patient have a sense of structure and a sense of being at 'home' while living in an inpatient setting.

"On days Melanie wasn't working, the patient would ask about her, and make comments such as, 'That Melanie works me hard but I know it's because she cares about me!' Eventually, this patient did get strong enough to go home, and I do believe Melanie played a vital role in her healing.

"Secondly, we have another patient who has very complex needs which led to their room being filled with tube feeding supplies, wound care supplies, and more. While I was administering medications to this patient, Melanie took the time to clean the room, organize supplies, place them in drawers, and clear the space.

"As this patient's nurse, I know their family and I very much appreciated the clean workspace ... especially during a very stressful time. I am a big believer that your space can reflect how you feel on the inside, and Melanie certainly helped me feel more organized, which I know helped the patient and their family feel more comfortable, too, during a very delicate time of their lives."

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. Submit a nomination.