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"Pam Morris — truly a compassionate hero in the right place at the right time for this very fragile patient!"

UVA Health team member Pam Morris supports University Medical Center Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO), in a variety of ways, so NPGO can support the thousands of nurses who care for our patients. Now, Morris has earned a BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) Award for going above and beyond her daily role — directly supporting a patient in need.

Jennifer “JT” Hall, MSN, RN, CNL, Director, UVA Health University Medical Center Nursing Professional Practice, Magnet Recognition Programs, and Jenny Ernest, Nursing Governance Coordinator, Nursing Professional Governance Office, surprised Morris with the award!

Deb Curtis, MEd, Nursing Governance Coordinator, Nursing Governance Program. nominated Morris:

"Pam is a member of our administrative support team for Nursing Professional Governance, and we staffed many celebratory events for National Nurses Week and UVA Health Week. After a full day of supporting the Orthopedic Center Ivy Road (OCIR) picnic, Pam had just unloaded our games and gear at McKim Hall and taken a UVA Health SUV back to its garage. She stopped by the restroom in the hospital lobby on the way back — and was in the right place at the right time to help a skilled nursing facility patient in need.

"The facility's driver was inside the door of the ladies' restroom, but not in the toilet cubicle itself. He reached out to Pam as she entered the restroom.

"Inside the restroom cubicle — there was a lady who had experienced an episode. She needed physical assistance to clean up and undress/redress herself and embarrassed and worried she would miss her medical appointment — for which she really wanted to be fully reclothed in case she needed to change into an exam gown at the appointment.

"Pam jumped into action! She got some gloves for PPE and helped with disrobing and cleanup. She went to the nearby Volunteer Office, which paged Social Work to assist with the request. A patient care technician (PCT) arrived with supplies from the Emergency Department, and together they helped this patient regain her comfort and dignity, so she could go to an appointment.

"Patient contact is not typically part of her role, yet Pam Morris was truly a compassionate hero in the right place at the right time for this very fragile patient!"

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, Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center team members with this award. Submit a nomination.