Kula receives BEE Award from Thompson

October 12, 2026

Fisher nursing student Mackenzie Kula is the latest recipient of the BEE Award from University of Rochester Medicine Thompson Health.

The BEE stands for “Being Exceptional Everyday,” and was developed in 2025 to honor non-licensed nursing support team members. Kula is a patient care technician on floor 3 West, a medical/surgical unit at F.F. Thompson Hospital. A team of hospital representatives – including the CEO and chief nursing officer – surprised her with the award on the unit on Sept. 23.

The daughter of a patient who was on comfort care nominated Kula for the award, describing Kula as “amazing” and noting that she would stop in at the end of a shift, even when he was under the care of others, to check on the patient and talk with him. The nomination noted that Kula “always with a smile on her face,” and that she would also check to see how the patient’s daughter was doing and if she needed anything.

“She really has a gift when it comes to end-of-life care,” the nomination said. “She didn’t have to go the extra mile, but she did! Just by her actions, she made my father feel like he still matters.”

Kula, who first joined Thompson in June of this year, said that it meant a lot to know that something she did made a difference for a patient and their family.

“As a nursing student and patient care technician, it’s rewarding to know that the care I provide is appreciated and that even the little things can have a lasting impact,” she said.

Knowing that being in the hospital can be a really difficult experience for both patients and their families, Kula said she always tries to think about how she would want herself or someone she loves to be treated in that situation.

“Sometimes it’s the smallest things, like taking a few extra minutes to listen, offering reassurance, or simply being there for someone that can make the biggest difference,” she added.

Kula said that working as a patient care technician has reaffirmed her decision to go into nursing and has reminded her that nursing is about more than just providing medical care and charting, but about building relationships, showing compassion, and being there for people during some of their most vulnerable moments.

“As I continue through nursing school at Fisher, I hope to carry these values into my future career and become a nurse who makes patients and their families feel heard, supported, and genuinely cared for,” she said.

Kula receives BEE Award from Thompson 2026-10-12T09:49:35-04:00 Fisher nursing student Mackenzie Kula is the latest recipient of the BEE Award from University of Rochester Medicine Thompson Health. The BEE stands for “Being Exceptional Everyday,” and was developed in 2025 to honor non-licensed nursing support team members. Kula is a patient care technician on floor 3 West, a medical/surgical unit at F.F. Thompson Hospital. A team of hospital representatives – including the CEO and chief nursing officer – surprised her with the award on the unit on Sept. 23. The daughter of a patient who was on comfort care nominated Kula for the award, describing Kula as “amazing” and noting that she would stop in at the end of a shift, even when he was under the care of others, to check on the patient and talk with him. The nomination noted that Kula “always with a smile on her face,” and that she would also check to see how the patient’s daughter was doing and if she needed anything. “She really has a gift when it comes to end-of-life care,” the nomination said. “She didn’t have to go the extra mile, but she did! Just by her actions, she made my father feel like he still matters.” Kula, who first joined Thompson in June of this year, said that it meant a lot to know that something she did made a difference for a patient and their family. “As a nursing student and patient care technician, it’s rewarding to know that the care I provide is appreciated and that even the little things can have a lasting impact,” she said. Knowing that being in the hospital can be a really difficult experience for both patients and their families, Kula said she always tries to think about how she would want herself or someone she loves to be treated in that situation. “Sometimes it’s the smallest things, like taking a few extra minutes to listen, offering reassurance, or simply being there for someone that can make the biggest difference,” she added. Kula said that working as a patient care technician has reaffirmed her decision to go into nursing and has reminded her that nursing is about more than just providing medical care and charting, but about building relationships, showing compassion, and being there for people during some of their most vulnerable moments. “As I continue through nursing school at Fisher, I hope to carry these values into my future career and become a nurse who makes patients and their families feel heard, supported, and genuinely cared for,” she said.