SGMC Health honored Leah Smoaks, Patient Care Technician on Postpartum, with the Being Extraordinary Every day (BEE) Award for December. Smoaks was awarded for her display of human kindness for a patient in need.
Smoaks was nominated by a patient who described her as an angel who “came in each day with the most beautiful smile and genuine empathy.” The patient described how she was having a difficult time following the birth of her child. Smoaks walked into the patient’s room to find her crying, so she stopped what she was doing to give her a warm hug.
“She didn’t say anything but just held me as if I was someone special to her, like a sister,” shared the patient. “I thank Leah so much for that because that was exactly what I needed at that time.”
Upon receiving her award, nurses from the unit also shared that there have been numerous occasions where Smoaks discovered that her patients couldn’t afford their discharge prescriptions. Without being asked or saying a word, as she transported the patients to their vehicle she stopped by the pharmacy and paid for their medications.
The BEE Award is presented monthly and recognizes staff members who support the role of a nurse, which includes patient care technicians, nursing assistants, and medical assistants. Nomination criteria includes compassion, teamwork, leadership, attitude, and skills and knowledge.
SGMC Health participates in an array of recognition programs to honor employees who most exemplify the tagline, “Remarkable People, Extraordinary Care, Human Kindness.” To learn more, visit sgmc.org/recognition.
