Ashanti Smith, a nursing assistant at Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, is the most recent winner of FirstHealth’s BEE Award, which recognizes employees who go above and beyond to fulfill the system’s core purpose – To Care for People.
Smith helps care for patients on 3 Surgical, a unit that cares for patients following orthopaedic procedures. A fellow team member nominated Smith, saying she brightens people’s days with her big smile and positive energy.
“You can hear Ashanti’s positive energy down the hall, and the patients love her. She spends time with them, making them feel comfortable in the hospital setting,” the coworker wrote. “From coming in early, staying late and being flexible to work day shift or night, she works to take stress off the unit.”
Smith has served patients in many ways during her FirstHealth career, starting as a housekeeper before deciding she wanted to go into patient care. Smith completed FirstHealth’s Nursing Assistant I and Nursing Assistant II programs.
“She completed her program and has become one of the best nursing assistants,” the nominating employee wrote. “She loves to learn and always asks if she can watch nurses complete skills so she can prepare for nursing school. She precepts new nursing assistants, helping them to be the best they can be. Ashanti will make an amazing nurse! I am so thankful to be able to work with her. In the most stressful times, she brings peace and laughter.”
Susan Taylor, BSN, R.N., ONC, Smith’s manager on 3Surgical, said she is “doing an amazing job.”
“She started as a housekeeper here, and I used to sit in my office and listen to her clean rooms and make patients feel so comfortable with her. She went through the NA I NA II programs and is doing an amazing job,” Taylor said. “Ashanti has a way with dementia patients that cannot be taught, and she exudes the type of culture that 3 Surgical strives to deliver daily. Ashanti is a great asset to the unit and the organization. Her smile will brighten any room!”
The BEE Award (Beyond Exceptional Expectations) is designed to honor non-nurses who help support nurses in delivering exceptional patient care. Nominations can be made to honor patient care technicians, specialty technicians, respiratory therapists, food and nutrition staff, transport or other colleagues outside of nursing.
Feature photo: Ashanti Smith (center), nursing assistant at Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, is joined by Jonathan Davis, MPH, FACHE, FirstHealth chief operating officer and president of Moore Regional; Shannon Smith, MSN, R.N., nurse executive; Susan Taylor, BSN, R.N., ONC, nurse manager; and Jenifir Bruno, M.D., chief medical officer, after receiving the FirstHealth BEE Award.
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