The BEE Award to recognize extraordinary employees who are not registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). “BEE” stands for “Being Exceptional Every Day.”
Since February 2021, Parkwest has recognized six outstanding employees with this award. They are  Laurel Prouxl, Mackenzie Hudgins, Rachel Bowlin, Kathy Maschack, Joi Keck and Tressa Clariday. Jason Draper, Parkwest’s vice president of support services, said, “It’s not just the technical  skills it’s the caring touch, the listening ear, the empathetic heart – those are what patients notice and remember as excellent care.”

The Care Doesn’t Stop When Our Patients Leave the Hospital

Laurel Proulx was recognized for advocating for a patient following hospital care. In the BEE nomination, Laurel’s supervisor  recognized her for making it a personal goal to find appropriate follow-up for a patient after discharge. Laurel first worked with the patient’s family member regarding the resources needed for continuing care. She made emails and phone calls about arrangements, helped the patient with interviews and questionnaires, scheduled after-care appointments and helped secure transportation.

Clinical social workers understand the care doesn’t stop when the patient exits through the doors of the the hospital. Laurel went above the call of duty to secure what her patient needed for ongoing care, and she always  had the patient’s best interest in mind. By working on her patient’s behalf, Laurel was able  to create and implement a successful discharge plan. Her supervisor said, “She truly has been her patient’s biggest advocate.”

“I Know God’s Love When I See It”

Mackenzie Hudgins was recognized with The BEE Award after being nominated by the family member of a patient who passed away. The family wanted to recognize Mackenzie’s outstanding care. The nomination reads, “We brought my mother to Parkwest right before she turned 97. She was found to have terminal cancer and was given a few weeks to live. The staff were the most caring people our family has ever  met. The love on their face for my mother was fantastic.”

The nomination letter describes that the patient showed love for her caregivers and took a particular liking to Mackenzie. The family was touched when Mackenzie visited
the hospital room on her day off, because she knew that her patient was nearing the end of her life. The letter reads, “As a family, we were so appreciative for the loving kindness of the entire staff. I am not the smartest man, but I know God’s love when I see it s
to you all. You are in my prayers.”

Caring for Our Patients

Rachel Bowlin was recognized with the BEE Award after being nominated by her coworker. A truck driver who was passing through town became ill and was treated at Parkwest. Rachel helped him by  obtaining the information needed by the hospital and his insurance companies. “Rachel is an exceptional employee,” the coworker noted in the nomination. “The patient was too  sick to provide insurance information and nothing was on file.

Rachel, being the outstanding  employee she is, went out of her way to find out what type of insurance the patient had and forwarded it to the appropriate person.” Since the patient didn’t have anyone to advocate for him, Rachel worked with case managers and clinical social workers to make sure he was not billed for charges that were covered by his insurance.

Going the Extra Mile

Kathy Mashak we recognized with the BEE Award after being nominated by several of her coworkers. The nominations read, “Ms. Kathy comes in with a smile on her face every day. You know it is  there even under her mask. She always wants to know how you are, and asks what she can do for you.  She is a joy, and I miss her when she is not here.”

“Kathy comes in our office every morning exactly at the same time. She is always smiling and asking how we are. She is willing to do anything and always goes above and beyond for us. We look forward to seeing her and she does a great job!”

“Kathy goes above and beyond for us in the surgery department. I am always happy to see her smiling face. Even when it is super busy in our department, she helps put a smile on our faces. I am sure she goes above and beyond in other areas as well.”

“Kathy goes above and beyond to help keep your work space clean and safe and is always willing to help. She always says hello and how are you today. She is such an asset to Parkwest and Environmental Services.”

More Than Just a Job

Joi Keck was nominated for The Bee Award by the family of a patient who was treated at Parkwest. The nomination reads, “I brought my mom in the ER at midnight. She had no extra clothes and we live an hour and a half from Parkwest. Joi helped my mother and me. My mom cannot hear very well and she took the time to listen to her even though she had other things to take care of. Joi took the time to bathe her, which made her feel better. Joi’s love for nursing is more than just a job, she really cares for people and their family.

She was very sweet. “Being that we were so far away from home, it was really nice having someone there to help us. It meant the world to me. Joi explained the care and what she was going to do for my mom in a way that she would understand. Mom loved when she called her “little princess.” This made her smile even though she was so sick. Joi is a young lady with a huge heart and a great  employee. Her kind words made my mother feel better.”

A Job Well Done

Tressa Clariday was presented with a BEE Award after providing exceptional patient care.
The nomination reads, “From the moment my dad was wheeled up unexpectedly (a little ahead of schedule), Tressa took charge to make sure the bed and room were set up in a clean and orderly fashion.

“She orchestrated his transfer to the room’s bed, working with the transport tech and nurses who came to help settle dad. You could tell everyone in the room respected her and her work ethic.” The family member noted that she cared for the patient’s individual needs, and every time Tressa  entered the room, she brought supplies she thought the patient could use. “She was compassionate while also getting the job done! Wow, that made us feel so welcome!”

Thank you to our amazing staff for BEE-ing extraordinary!

BEE Award recipients are presented with a certificate, lapel pin, a floral arrangement, cupcakes and a small gift. To nominate someone for a BEE Award, visit TreatedWell.com/BEE.