Ashanti Smith, a nursing assistant at Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, is the most recent winner of FirstHealth’s BEE Award, which recognizes employees who go above and beyond to fulfill the system’s core purpose – To Care for People.

Smith helps care for patients on 3 Surgical, a unit that cares for patients following orthopaedic procedures. A fellow team member nominated Smith, saying she brightens people’s days with her big smile and positive energy.

“You can hear Ashanti’s positive energy down the hall, and the patients love her. She spends time with them, making them feel comfortable in the hospital setting,” the coworker wrote. “From coming in early, staying late and being flexible to work day shift or night, she works to take stress off the unit.” 

Smith has served patients in many ways during her FirstHealth career, starting as a housekeeper before deciding she wanted to go into patient care. Smith completed FirstHealth’s Nursing Assistant I and Nursing Assistant II programs.

“She started as a housekeeper here, and I used to sit in my office and listen to her clean rooms and make patients feel so comfortable with her. She went through the NA I NA II programs and is doing an amazing job,” shared Susan Taylor, BSN, R.N., ONC, Smith’s manager on 3 Surgical. “Ashanti has a way with dementia patients that cannot be taught, and she exudes the type of culture that 3 Surgical strives to deliver daily. Ashanti is a great asset to the unit and the organization. Her smile will brighten any room!”