The Alice’s Apple Tree Award celebrates staff who embody our values of kindness, partnership, service, and community in how they care for patients, support each other, and engage with our broader community. This award is a sister to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®, which honors nurses at APD.
We are proud to recognize Eleanore, LNA, Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) on the Medical Surgical Unit, as the newest recipient of the Alice’s Apple Tree Award.
Eleanore’s dedication shines through in everything she does. As a HUC, she keeps the Medical Surgical Unit running smoothly while consistently going the extra mile for patients and colleagues alike.
One colleague shared, “Eleanore has been a long-time employee of APD. Her dedication to her job as HUC on the Medical Surgical Unit is noticeable every single day. She always goes above and beyond, serving the patients first and foremost with hard work and kindness. Eleanore can be found assisting patients to and from the bathroom and personal care, answering call bells even when her work at the main desk keeps her very busy. She is the epitome of APD. I don't think a single person that Eleanore works with could say an unkind word about her; rather, they'd sing her praises.”
Eleanore has helped shape a culture of kindness on the unit. She leads by example and lifts up those around her. Clinical Nurse Supervisor Randy McSwain, BSN, RN, WCC, shared, “Eleanore has been here since I started 5 years ago. She has been a beaming example of the culture of kindness that APD strives for each and every day. Never even a hesitation to help the team out with a variety of tasks. We joke sometimes—if you don’t know how something works on the floor, just ask Eleanore, she’s got a good answer. She has also been a big help training new staff, as our unit tends to naturally have a lot of turnover. You know if Eleanore is training a new employee, they will have a great chance of success.”
Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Eleanore is known for taking initiative to improve processes and support her team. Her creativity and thoughtfulness have made a lasting impact on the unit.
As one nominator commented, “Not only does she prove to be an exceptional worker at her job, she goes far beyond that.” The nomination noted that Eleanore often comes up with improvement projects that make the work of the unit easier for staff. “She is always thoughtful like that. It really made my day when she took it upon herself to improve something without even being tasked with it.”
Eleanore’s steady presence, creative problem-solving, and heartfelt dedication make her an exceptional part of the APD community. She truly embodies the spirit of the Alice’s Apple Tree Award, and we are honored to celebrate her.
Nominate a Staff Member for Alice’s Apple Tree Award
Do you know an employee who embodies our values? You can nominate them by filling out a form here. Let’s continue to recognize the incredible work of our staff and inspire others with their stories.