Ms. Aaronda Horton emulates everything a nurse should be. On a day to day basis, she is witnessed as a steward of kindness, patience, and tolerance for some of your most vulnerable Veterans. She greets everyone with a smile even during the most trying times. I would like to share a particular patient that was a recipient of Ms. Horton's excellent care.
Mr. R who was in his late eighties was beginning to be a regular in the clinic and even more so after he received a metastatic prostate cancer diagnosis. He often times would walk in and it was difficult for the staff to discern what his needs were as he was becoming increasingly confused. Mr. R was given a card to keep in his pocket that was to be presented when he came to the clinic that said, "call Aaronda when Mr. R comes to the clinic." This omitted any frustration for him as well as the staff when he presented and provided immediate access.
Aaronda made a special connection with him and his family and met with both of them to discuss his care. One day when they were in the clinic, we were having difficulty with the heating system and Mr. R was cold. Aaronda came to the Nurse Manager's Office and got him a patriotic quilt, covered him up and talked lovingly to him telling him he "should be warm now."
Ms. Horton coordinated care with Home Health & Hospice and her attention to his care enabled him to have an improved quality of life during his terminal illness. She frequently called the patient to get updates on his care and coordinated transportation for him.
One of the most touching moments to witness was how Mr. R listened to Aaronda, hanging on every word. He was hard of hearing therefore at times he would not hear the home health personnel to open the door at his home for visits. The staff then tried to call him but he did not recognize the telephone number so he wouldn't answer the phone. They would then call Aaronda and she would reach out and give Mr. R a call to say "It's ok, open the door they are there to help you." Because he recognized Aaronda's number and trusted her implicitly, he received the much-needed care he deserved.
In conclusion, I would like to say I would be honored if Ms. Horton took care of any member of my family. We watched her care for Mr. R like he was her own family and provided him with a smooth transition on his journey until he passed away.
For all of this and more, I believe Ms. Horton embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award.