Valerie Pryor, Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Blessing Hospital, became the hospital’s 26th Honey Bee Award winner during a surprise presentation on October 22, 2020.
The Blessing Hospital Honey Bee award recognizes the remarkable patient experience delivered by support staff employees.
Valerie was nominated by her coworkers for providing support above and beyond her responsibilities to a patient at the end of life with COVID-19 complications. As a result of having the virus, the patient’s family could not be with her. Valerie ensured the patient was not alone.
“Valerie took turns with the nurse to stay with her until she passed away,” the Honey Bee nomination stated. It was written by a coworker of Valerie’s who knew the patient’s family. “Valerie sat next to her bedside and prayed with her.”
With Valerie’s permission, the coworker shared with the family Valerie’s role in their loved one’s end of life care.
The nomination continued, “I received a thank you text, to Valerie, from the family. It said, ‘I was so concerned that she was alone in her closing hours and minutes that it broke my heart. I was comforted in hearing that there were some really wonderful people when family couldn’t be there. If you could relay the message, I would like to personally tell her thank you.’”
The Honey Bee Award complements the hospital’s DAISY Award for registered nurses.
Honey Bee award nomination forms are located on all nursing units and other locations throughout Blessing Hospital.