Congratulations to Q1 BEE Award Winner Kris Simmons
May 06, 2026
Our BEE Award program at WVMC aims to honor the exemplary work that all of our non-nursing specialties are doing. B.E.E. standing for Being Excellent Everyday. We have so many different specialties and the impact they make on patients each and every day is being seen and felt.
Our BEE Award partners with our DAISY Award program which recognizes our nursing team members. And just like the DAISY could not survive without the BEE, our nursing staff could not survive without the members of our non-nursing teams.
Please see the incredible nomination that was received regarding the care that Kris provided them, during a life changing hospital stay back in 2024. This patient was able to reflect back on their journey and see the impact that Kris had on them.
“On February 25th 2024, I was admitted into Willamette Valley Medical Center with a severe stroke. Complete loss of the left side of my body, gone. No use of any kind whatsoever. Within three days of being in ICU, Kris Simmons recognized my potential and the meeting of the heart and minds were matched. First primary goal, never soil myself. Get out of this bed and get to the restroom without assistance. No embarrassment, no degradation. Kris was inspiring and helped me achieve that. Not because I told her to, but because she felt and knew how determined I was. Kris stepped forward and encouraged my momentum and my journey carried forth till today. Kris knew what tools and objects were missing. She reminded me and gave me the tools necessary, knowing that I can. This is: “Do or Do Not” action. There is no better being I could have encountered, at the right time, to get me this far. I assure you, there is no such thing as giving up, “you only have three months to survive your stroke” is a lie. With Kris and her momentum, I have gained more of myself back in nine months, than I did in the first three. Wisdom: “Stroke is a full time job”. Treat it as such. Take an initiative just like Kris does, there is tremendous achievement available with a “Being” like Kris." - Grateful Patient