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"I felt truly seen as a human being."

When UVA Health University Medical Center team member Emmi X saw a patient in need — her compassion and action came shining through. Now, the Patient Companion from the Staffing Resource Office has earned a BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) Award.

Mesha Jones, DNP, RN, NEA- BC, FADLN, Staffing Resource Office, Nurse Manager, UVA Health University Medical Center, who also serves as President, Virginia Nurses Foundation, and Jenny Ernest, Nursing Governance Coordinator, Nursing Professional Governance Office, presented Emmi with the award.

Emmi recently supported a patient who’d undergone emergency surgery. Emmi took the time and care to clean the patient and make them feel comfortable by shampooing and brushing their hair, wiping their face and neck, replacing their bedding, and chatting with the patient. Emmi also found something for the patient’s children to draw with and toys to play with — and helped them make crafts while they visited the patient.

The patient expressed immense gratitude in their nomination of Emmi for the BEE Award, as summarized: "Before Emmi left, she folded little paper hearts for me that said, 'You are irreplaceable.' She stepped in to remind me I have value. I felt seen as a human being. Her kindness nearly led me to tears. I hope Emmi can be recognized for her compassion. I will forever be grateful."

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