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'That's what they had become: new friends.'

The Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center team members each month with a BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) Award.

Chief Nursing Officer Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC, and NPGO Nursing Recognition and Retention Specialist Ashley Noguera, PMP, surprised Justus Bell, CNA, 6 East, with a BEE Award.

A patient's family member nominated the certified nursing assistant:

"My daughter was placed on 6 East following a very grueling 9-hour surgery that rendered her unable to move on her own. She was in a lot of pain and having a very difficult time adjusting. The physical and mental toll it took on her was indescribable. No one seemed able to console and comfort her — until in walks Justus!

"Out of all the medical professionals and family members who tried to comfort my daughter, no one was as successful as Justus. She talked to my daughter like a friend she had known her entire life! She held her hand and told her, 'I hear everything you're saying and I know this will sound cliche but, you've got this! This is not going to be how you are forever!'

"Justus simply held her hand and said, 'Let's talk about this.' My daughter stopped crying and started explaining to Justus how she felt as if no one understood her. Justus told her to explain it all to her and she would listen. Then she proceeded to give my daughter the best pep talk I've ever heard in my life!

"My daughter didn't cry anymore that night. Justus assured her she would be back in the room many times that night to check on her — and she was. Not just to do vitals, but to check on her new friend.

"That's what they had become: new friends.

"My daughter left the hospital after 11 days and entered inpatient rehab. Of course, her new friend came to visit her there, too, just to make sure she was OK. Justus is the type of caregiver everyone deserves. She brings so much heartfelt compassion to her profession — one of the many reasons I feel she is so deserving of this nomination."

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.