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Learn how Katelyn Mitchell goes above and beyond to provide comfort care.

A UVA Health University Medical Center health unit coordinator (HUC) is being recognized for helping a hospice patient during possibly the final moments of his life.

2024 BEE Award Committee Vice Chair Victoria Gibbons and Jenny Ernest, Nursing Governance Coordinator, Nursing Professional Governance Office, surprised Katelyn Mitchell, 3 East, with the award.

Robert Grubbs, BSN, RN, ACLS, Inpatient Charge Nurse, 3 East, nominated Mitchell:

"On a very, very, busy day — a patient was granted his final wishes for comfort care on hospice and was able to go home to be with his family. This patient was picked up by transport and was transported back home as a couple of his family members followed along with the ambulance. In a time of stress and sadness, the family forgot to pick up this patient's comfort care medications from the pharmacy here at UVA Health.

"The transport team called Katelyn at the HUC desk and stated that they were unable to get the medications for the patient because there was a billing issue with driving all the way back to UVA Health, and the family did not have the resources to drive back and get them. Both charge nurses on the floor at the time of shift change were dealing with multiple issues.

"Katelyn asked the transport team to give her a little time and took down their number, contacted the doctor, explained the story, and advocated for the medical team to rewrite the prescriptions for this patient to a place closer to his home. After the scripts were sent, Katelyn reconnected with the rescue squad members and coordinated with them to pick up the patient's prescriptions from a pharmacy close by, to be delivered back to him. 

"Because of Katelyn’s selfless act, this patient did not have to be in pain or agony, as he was provided with the proper medications to provide him comfort — for possibly the last moments of his life."

Know a Deserving Team Member?

Every month, the Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center team members with a BEE Award recognizing how they work alongside our nurses to impact patients' experiences — just as bees and flowers depend on one another. Submit a nomination.