Five years ago, Edwin Chavez was working at the receiving dock at Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, making sure needed equipment and supplies were processed quickly during the early days of the COVID pandemic. Today, he is a certified nursing assistant at the hospital, helping take care of patients instead of moving pallets.

The transition has been a plus for patients at the hospital, Chavez and his teammates.

“Edwin is truly one of the reasons 4 East functions so well," said Savanna Garrett, RN, who nominated him for the BEE Award. BEE stands for Beyond Exceptional Expectations. Nominations are made by nursing peers.

“He is always positive and one of the hardest workers I know. He doesn't care if a patient is his or not. If they need something he does it without question," Garrett wrote. “Patients absolutely adore him and have nothing but good things to say about his work ethic, his kindness and his efficiency. He deserves this award so much."

Chavez, who attended Pepperell High School, said he was surprised by the award.

“It was unexpected," he said. I am glad that my teammates think I am helpful."

“What really makes this award special is that you are nominated by the people you work with," said Sheila Bennett, senior vice president and chief of patient services at Atrium Health Floyd. Bennett said Chavez was recognized because “patients and colleagues alike value his professionalism, compassion and efficiency."