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Learn how the patient's successful discharge to inpatient rehab was largely orchestrated by Renee Fuller's advocacy. 

UVA Health University Medical Center Associate Chief Nursing Officer Veronica Brill, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, and Rhonda Beyeler, Administrative Specialist, Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO), surprised Renee Fuller, Occupational Therapist, with a BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) Award.

Every month, NPGO honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center team members with this award.

Dwayne Pitre, OTR/L, nominated Fuller:

"Renee was following a patient on the Oncology unit who was diagnosed with POEMS syndrome, a progressive polyradiculoneuroplathy. During admission, the patient was on multiple patient care units, but while on the oncology unit, Renee was the patient's primary OT.

"During non-patient care time, Renee reached out to Case Management to advocate for Sheltering Arms to accept this patient as a 'charity bed' patient since uninsured. Renee then reached out to All Blessings Flow to see if she could obtain a power wheelchair for the patient. They had one that required a battery.  Renee then reached out to an assistive technology professional, Vinnie Mason from NuMotion, who Renee often works with in the outpatient neuro clinics she covers. Vinnie was able to obtain the power wheelchair at All Blessings Flow and donated two batteries.

"Renee then coordinated with Vinnie to come to UVA Health and fit the patient for this power wheelchair.  Ultimately, Vinnie brought it to the patient's room, and fitted the patient to the chair with the help of physical therapist Dan Gulbranson. Vinnie then instructed the patient on how to use the power wheelchair. The patient was successfully discharged from UVA Health to Sheltering Arms for inpatient rehab with the power wheelchair, which was largely orchestrated by Renee's advocacy."  

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.