The BEE Award honors and recognizes team members outside of nursing who go Beyond Exceptional Expectations (BEE). These team members provide extraordinary experiences for our patients, their families and visitors by exemplifying quality service and extraordinary care.
Recent BEE Award Winners:
Mia Pergande, Surgery
Nomination Year: 2026
Nominated by: Sheenah A. (Patient)
Story: "I am writing to nominate Mia, a technician at Watertown Hospital, for the BEE Award, in recognition of her exceptional patient care and the way she consistently goes above and beyond expectations. During my recent surgery, Mia was assigned as my tech and provided an experience that truly stood out.
From the moment she approached my pre-op room, Mia was warm, kind, and attentive. She took the time to explain each step, ensured I was comfortable, and treated me with genuine compassion. I usually struggle with IV placements, often requiring multiple attempts, which is always stressful before surgery. Mia was incredibly thorough, patient, and gentle. She placed my IV successfully on the very first try. Her confidence and skill immediately put me at ease.
Not only was she technically excellent, but her bedside manner made a significant difference during a vulnerable moment. Her sweetness, professionalism, and calming presence turned what is normally an anxious experience into one where I felt supported and genuinely cared for.
Mia embodies the true spirit of the BEE Award. She not only performs her role with exceptional skill, but she also provides comfort, reassurance, and compassionate care that stays with her patients long after their visit.
Watertown Hospital is fortunate to have someone like Mia on its team. I sincerely hope she is recognized for the outstanding care she provides for patients like me."
Elias Adrian, Emergency Department
Nomination Year: 2025
Nominated by: Emily & Brendan Nolden (Patients)
Story: "We went to the Watertown ER for bad reaction from dental surgery. Elias was THE NICEST person I have ever met. He let me know everything they were doing for my husband and why. He had the best bedside manners and showed that he truly cared. He was kind, patient and understanding.
My husband had a hard time talking and Elias allowed me to speak for him and listened to both of us. He is very personable and cares about his patients and helped put my mind at ease during a very scary and terrible situation late at night.
I’m 8 months pregnant and we were over 1.5 hours away from home for the dental surgery and I felt completely out of place and underwater. Elias stayed cool, calm, collected, and was very reassuring. I never had to guess what he was doing, my mind was at ease.
Having never experienced anything like this, having Elias as the Tech really helped this situation. At the end of the visit, he was making jokes with my husband and really lightening the mood. Thank you so much Elias for everything you did!"
Traci Saeger, Materials
Nomination Year: 2025
Nominated by: Barb Carstens (Co-Worker)
Story #1: “Traci assisted Senior Behavioral Health with packaging and mailing (FedEx) personal belongings back to a recently discharged patient on Christmas Eve, and providing a tracking number to ease the patients concerns. She went above and beyond to ensure great customer service!"
Tami Rodriguez, Ambulatory Care
Nomination Year: 2025
Nominated by: Rebecca Butler, Co-Worker
Story #1: “When things were buzzing in the Heart and Vascular Clinic and we were swamped, I headed over to Ambulatory to borrow their EKG cart. Tami didn’t just say “yes” — she jumped right in, came over, and helped us get caught up! Her teamwork, positive attitude, and willingness to go the extra mile made a huge difference for both our patients and our team.”