ROME, Ga., Feb. 28, 2024 – Mercedes Hernandez was taken by surprise Tuesday morning when she was named a BEE Award winner at Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center.

The unit secretary for Medical Oncology Nursing does indeed go Beyond Exceptional Expectations. Atrium Health Floyd’s BEE award exists for nurses to recognize nursing support teammates who go beyond expectations.

“This is really an awesome award to receive because it means your coworkers nominated you,” said Sheila Bennett, senior vice president and chief of patient services at Atrium Health Floyd. 

Hernandez “has a can-do attitude every day and faces any challenge with ease,” according to the nomination form. Her fellow teammates even said the department suffers when she is not working, because no one else can match her skills and support. 

“I really appreciate it,” she said of the honor. “I do try to work hard, and I really feel appreciated.” She has been employed at the hospital for eight years.

Leigh Ann Shipley, R.N., the clinical manager of the department, agreed that Hernandez is more than a valued teammate.

“She is the heart and soul of this department,” Shipley said. “Everyone who works here will tell you she keeps us in line.”