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The BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) 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.

Chief Nursing Officer Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC, and BEE Award Committee Chair Hannah Kolpack surprised Dia Velker, Patient Care Technician (PCT), Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit (STICU), with a BEE Award.

A patient's family member nominated Dia:

"My mother was in a head-on collision and had more broken bones than I can count. While she was under sedation and unconscious for several days, Dia came in and washed the blood out of her hair. Then she asked if she could put my mom's hair in braids. My mom was unaware of all this, but we were touched by this act of kindness.

"It helped my mom feel better about herself when she woke up, and became something of a symbol to the rest of the family — all the girls [in the family] began wearing their hair in braids for the rest of her time in the hospital.

"We're thankful to Dia Velker for the way she interacted with us and our mom — she deserves recognition for being an excellent nurse in the STICU!"

Know a Deserving Team Member?

The Nursing Professional Governance Organization honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center team members each month with a BEE Award. Submit a nomination.