"My favorite aspect of direct patient care is the reward of being there for the patient from the time they enter the care room to the time they leave the hospital. Each and every veteran is unique with a special story to tell. I have become close with my patients through time. When I was pregnant, a patient even gave me a list of names for my newborn. Likewise, it is heartbreaking to see the pain that they go through. I feel empathy and it drives me to make sure I am the best nurse for them. I am even more honored to be able to care for those who have lived for the safety of our country, the veterans."
-Anupama Jacob, BSN, RN
Anupama has been a member of the Atlanta VA Medical Center team since April of 2015 on the inpatient medical/oncology unit.She lends her expertise to new nurses on her unit as a preceptor, expressing the importance of knowledge sharing, as well as helping new staff understand the importance of feeling empathy for the veterans and what they are going through. She is a member of Georgia Indian Nurse Association (GINA) which gives her the opportunity to work with and educate her community about healthy living through activities such as annual health screening drives.Anupama spends free time with her three boys, making sure there is no dull moment.
A veteran Anupama cared for wrote: "When Anu arrived early in the morning, her approach was exactly what I needed because the nights were rough and I was feeling bad. She greeted me with a warm smile and introduced herself, explained who she was, and that she was here for me. As she cared for me throughout the day, she showed professionalism, respect, and courtesy. She reassured me when I was a little irritated. Being under her care relaxed me and made me feel like she really cared. Thanks Anu!"