TUPELO, Mississippi—North Mississippi Medical Center recently presented a BEE (Beyond Exceptional Expectations) Award to Lakota Kern of Women’s Hospital.

Kern works as a nursing assistant, unit coordinator and monitor technician on the Mother-Baby Unit. She was nominated by coworkers for her work ethic and compassion.      

Specifically, she was cited for her compassion toward a young, single mother who had delivered her baby at home, completely unprepared. “Lakota took time to get to know this patient and decided to show her servant’s heart,” they wrote. “The next night, Lakota wheeled in a cart full of items for this patient. She brought a car seat for the newborn to go home in, a Pack ‘n Play, a bouncer and various other items, clothes and diapers for this new mom. She helped this mom feel loved and encouraged to provide for her baby. Lakota gave selflessly... she is a true example of a CARE-giver.”

Kern joined the North Mississippi Health Services team as a nursing assistant at NMMC-Iuka and transferred to Women’s Hospital in November 2022.  She is a graduate of Tishomingo High School and currently resides in Marietta.

The BEE Award is given to a deserving caregiver each month at NMMC. For more information, call (662) 377-3431 or email BEEAwards@nmhs.net.