Recognizing Us

Celebrating the moments that make Augusta Health stronger — one recognition at a time.

Because every act of care deserves to be seen and celebrated.

At Augusta Health, we believe in celebrating each other — because every act of care, kindness, and teamwork makes a difference.

When team members go above and beyond for our patients, our community, and each other, we make sure it doesn’t go unnoticed. Recognizing those who live out the Augusta Health Way and embody our values is one way we continue to support, encourage, and lift up one another every day.

Values Award Winners

Here is a list of our most recent Values Award Winners. Join us in celebrating these outstanding team members!

Our Recognition Portfolio

Discover the multitude of ways to recognize your peers and fellow team members with just a click of a button.

Our 2025 Augusta Health Way Excellence Award Recipients!

Let’s give a huge round of applause and celebrate these extraordinary team members for earning the highest, pinnacle award at Augusta Health! You inspire us all, truly embodying The Augusta Health Way and making an incredible impact on everyone around you!

Our Q1 Values Award Recipients

Join us in celebrating these outstanding team members that continue to live out our Augusta Health values daily. You inspire us as you continue to rise to the occasion:  embracing change, staying resilient and focusing on how we together can help our patients, our community and each other. 

Kick Off Hospital Week with Us!

Join us as we honor and celebrate our Augusta Health Values Award recipients during the Q1 2026 Values Celebration!

You are invited to attend in person or join virtually as we recognize team members who continue to live out our values through compassion, teamwork, excellence, and care. Light refreshments will be available following the celebration.

We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate the incredible people who make healing happen here!

I am honored to nominate Kelli Jones for a Values Award in Patient Centeredness on behalf of my mother and our family. Her dedication, persistence, and compassion made a meaningful difference during one of the most uncertain times in our lives. After a routine mammogram led to a breast cancer diagnosis, my mother, new to the area and unfamiliar with the healthcare system, faced the overwhelming challenge of navigating referrals, insurance requirements, and next steps. When complications arose, Kelli stepped in without hesitation. Despite her role as a Medical Office Manager, she took ownership beyond expectations, working through the complexities of Tricare and ensuring referrals were completed accurately and without delay. Kelli’s persistence and follow-through truly set her apart. She coordinated across multiple offices, maintained communication, and ensured nothing fell through the cracks. When an unexpected insurance issue threatened to delay radiation treatment, she acted quickly to arrange new referrals and coordinate a seamless transition of care. Because of her efforts, my mother began treatment on time without interruption. Kelli’s actions exemplify patient-centered care. She removed barriers, reduced stress, and ensured continuity of care during a critical time. Today, my mother is cancer-free, and while many contributed to her care, Kelli’s advocacy was essential in making that outcome possible. Kelli is a true advocate and problem-solver who consistently goes above and beyond for patients and families.

I am pleased to nominate Olivia Driver for demonstrating the value of Professionalism through her advocacy and commitment to her profession. Professionalism at Augusta Health extends beyond clinical expertise, including upholding ethical standards and advocating for policies that support quality patient care and the sustainability of our healthcare system. During the recent Virginia legislative session, proposed changes to medical malpractice coverage posed significant challenges for provider recruitment and the delivery of care in our community. Olivia, an AANP-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with AMG, took initiative to address these concerns. She not only researched the issue and communicated with lawmakers but also went a step further by personally engaging with the sponsoring senator to share her perspective. Through thoughtful and informed dialogue, she advocated for both her patients and her profession. Her efforts, alongside those of her colleagues, contributed to halting legislation that could have negatively impacted healthcare access in our region. Olivia’s willingness to step beyond her clinical role and engage in meaningful advocacy reflects a deep commitment to professional ethics and responsibility. Olivia exemplifies professionalism through her knowledge, initiative, and courage to speak up on issues that matter.

It is a privilege to recognize Natasha, RN, for consistently exemplifying the values of Augusta Health. In the fast-paced environment of the Emergency Department, Natasha stands out as a steady, highly skilled, and compassionate presence. She delivers exceptional patient care with strong clinical judgment and meticulous attention to detail. As a dedicated preceptor, Natasha goes beyond teaching technical skills she fosters confidence, accountability, and a commitment to excellence in every new nurse and Capstone student she mentors. She is the kind of teammate everyone hopes to work alongside: dependable, solution-oriented, and a source of positivity even during the most demanding shifts. Natasha’s integrity, professionalism, and dedication to continuous growth reflect the very best of our organization. Most importantly, she demonstrates genuine compassion in every interaction, ensuring that each patient and family is treated with kindness, dignity, and respect. She is not only an exceptional nurse, but also a role model and leader who truly embodies our mission.

I am pleased to nominate the Construction Department for the Teamwork Award in recognition of their exceptional collaboration, dedication, and performance during a transformative period for the organization. Built entirely from the ground up with new staff, new systems, and responsibility for a complex healthcare campus, the team has quickly adapted and excelled. In a short time, they have successfully delivered a high volume of projects, consistently meeting expectations for timeliness and budget while developing a strong understanding of facility and operational needs. What truly distinguishes this department is its culture of teamwork. There is a shared sense of ownership across all phases of work, from planning through execution. Team members consistently support one another, stepping in wherever needed to ensure success. This collaboration has created a cohesive, high-performing team and strengthened project outcomes. Equally notable is their commitment to supporting one another beyond the work itself. The team actively balances workloads, provides coverage during demanding schedules, and prioritizes each other’s well-being demonstrates mutual respect and strong leadership. The Construction Department exemplifies teamwork in action. Their collaboration, adaptability, and commitment have made a meaningful impact on the organization.

I am honored to nominate Katrina Black for the Augusta Way Award in recognition of her exceptional work on the front line of the Palliative Care Department. Katrina brings unwavering dedication, compassion, and professionalism to patients and families facing some of life’s most difficult moments. As the first point of contact, she supports individuals who are often in pain, anxious, or overwhelmed. She handles each interaction with remarkable grace, patience, and empathy consistently helping patients feel heard, supported, and more at ease by the end of every conversation. Katrina exemplifies the Augusta Way through her commitment to excellence, teamwork, and patient-centered care. She does more than fulfill her role she brings comfort, dignity, and humanity to every interaction. Her calm reassurance and genuine kindness make a profound difference for both patients and her colleagues. Katrina’s work reflects the very best of our organization’s values in action.

Our Recognition Portfolio

Explore all the opportunities we have available.

Values Role Model

The Values Role Model Awards recognize individuals or groups quarterly for exemplifying core values including Patient and Community Centeredness, Professionalism, Excellence, and Teamwork. While nominations are open to all, the focus is on front-line team members. Exceptions for leadership inclusion are considered by the Recognition Governance Committee, based on the strength of the nomination.

The DAISY Award

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international recognition program honoring and celebrating the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. The DAISY award is a pinnacle award for extraordinary nurses!



The PETALS Award

The PETALS (Professional Extraordinaire that Always Lends Support) Award is a program administered by the nursing division to thank those who partner with nurses in caring for our patients and families. The PETALS Awards are presented monthly to a nursing support partner (PCT, CNA, EMT, and/or MHW) who exemplifies extraordinary service in the performance of their job.

Service Awards

Milestone service awards celebrate team members’ dedication to Augusta Health. Milestone gifts are sent for first, third, and five-year increment anniversaries.

Recognition Toolkit

Leaders at Augusta Health have a toolkit of resources available to assist with recognizing their team. The toolkit includes a box of physical recognition tokens, as well as this playbook, which provides resources on available programs as well as ideas on how to cultivate a culture of recognition.

Professional Days / Weeks

Many professions have designated days, weeks or months. Please consult with the appropriate professional associations for resources on celebrating individual departmental recognition events. Augusta Health as a whole celebrates Hospital Week. Departments and occupational roles are encouraged to develop celebrations and advocate for more awareness of their fields.

Team Member Discounts

Through our partnership with Vizient, team members are recognized with myriad discount goods and services, including wireless phone service, computer hardware and software, office supplies, home products and services, theme park tickets, travel services, and giftware. Within Augusta Health, discounts are available for movie tickets, pharmacy products, and much more! All individuals connected with Augusta Health are eligible for these discounts.

Grief Support & Healing Resources

We know that grief doesn’t follow a timeline—and support shouldn’t either. Our Bereavement Care Guides offer compassionate, practical guidance for both team members experiencing personal loss and the leaders who walk beside them.

Retirement

At Augusta Health, we celebrate our retirees and their dedication to our mission and values. Those with five or more years of service are honored with announcements and invitations to special events, recognizing their contributions. Retirees with a decade or more of service also receive a gift in appreciation. All team members on Augusta Health’s payroll are eligible for these retirement recognition programs.

Applause

Applause – your go-to e-card platform, tailor-made for those spur-of-the-moment shoutouts between colleagues. With Applause, we're all about lifting each other up and giving props for the little victories and hard work that make our journey worthwhile. Whether you're on the app or browsing through the portal, recognizing your teammates has never been simpler or more enjoyable. Ready to spread some cheer? Start sending out those Applause cards to your crew today!

Augusta Health Way Team Member Excellence Award

The Augusta Health Way Team Member Excellence Award stands as a distinguished program acknowledging the outstanding contributions of our dedicated team members. Augusta Health takes great pride in its exceptional team members, honoring those who embody the steadfast commitment to upholding our core values.


Augusta Health Way Leadership Excellence Award

The Augusta Health Way Leadership Excellence Award is a recognition program for members of our leadership team. Augusta Health is proud of our leaders and recognizes those who exemplify the application of our values and demonstrate key leadership qualities to engage their team and achieve positive outcomes.



Nursing Excellence Award

This award is given to nurses who demonstrate qualities of compassion, teamwork, knowledge and excellence. These nurses exhibit high levels of professionalism, clinical expertise, excellence in patient care, fosters patient-centered care, leads by example, and acts as a mentor and role model to other staff. RNs and LPNs are eligible for the Nurse of the Year award.

This award is given to individuals who are registered nurse leaders. They role model caring behavior, display professionalism at all times and have a passion for nursing excellence. These individuals exhibit a strong leadership image that focuses on providing patient-centered care. These leaders ensure a healthy dynamic environment that is healing and support empowered professional practice, which improves quality patient care. Clinical coordinators, nurse managers, nurse educators, nursing directors, RN office managers, and those in nursing leadership roles are eligible for the Nurse Leader of the Year award.

Recipients of this award must be dependable and patient focused, and work well with the team while advocating for their patients. They must be invested in Augusta Health’s core values. They might also be involved in unit improvement measures that promote patient satisfaction and increase unit morale. PCTs, CNAs, EMTs, MHWs, CMAs and clerical roles are eligible for this award.

Several awards are presented to hospital team members who support the nursing mission at Augusta Health. Hospital team members outside of the nursing division are eligible for this award.

We appreciate YOU!

Celebrate with us as we showcase photos from our recent team member events, dedicated to celebrating YOU. We appreciate your commitment to each other, our patients, and the Augusta Health community. Thank you for embodying the Augusta way!

Check out our "Spirit of Augusta Health" Facebook page!

Discover our "Spirit of Augusta Health" Facebook page!​

We've got another exciting way to celebrate our team members and flaunt our Augusta Health pride. Come join the fun on our exclusive Facebook page just for our team members!

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