Calvin Richards
October 2015
Calvin
Richards
,
RN
Inpatient Psychiatry
Atlanta VA Medical Center
Decatur
,
GA
United States
The DAISY award nomination was submitted by a veteran Calvin Richards cared for. The veteran wrote,
"Nurse Richards is my unofficial inspiration and motivator. I was suicidal, deeply anxious, and depressed. During a treatment session, Nurse Richards gave each veteran an inspirational quote. Mine read, 'be careful how you talk to yourself because you are listening and those who love you are not fooled by mistakes you have made or dark images you hold about yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly, your wholeness when you are broken, your innocence when you feel guilty, and your purpose when you are confused.' That night I cried because I saw myself so ugly and unworthy from 14 years of abuse from a spouse. That was my turning point and I began to do the work. Thank you Nurse Richards!"
...
Calvin Richards writes:
"What I find most rewarding about direct care is the interaction with the veterans, and the opportunity to make a difference. As a veteran myself having no "wounds to show" I feel privileged to share my mental health knowledge, with the hope of making a difference in their lives. Our reward as psychiatric nurses comes from seeing a patient walk out of the hospital a changed person, motivated for success and a life with endless possibilities. This award captures the spirit of why I came to work here at the VA."
...
Calvin Richards started his career with the Atlanta VA in the summer of 2015. His nursing expertise and compassionate care have been valuable contributions to the 4th floor Inpatient Psychiatry team. He brings with him over 20 years of nursing experience, predominantly in the area of psychiatry and leadership. The nursing care delivered by Mr. Richards is a shining example of what our Veterans deserve.
"Nurse Richards is my unofficial inspiration and motivator. I was suicidal, deeply anxious, and depressed. During a treatment session, Nurse Richards gave each veteran an inspirational quote. Mine read, 'be careful how you talk to yourself because you are listening and those who love you are not fooled by mistakes you have made or dark images you hold about yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly, your wholeness when you are broken, your innocence when you feel guilty, and your purpose when you are confused.' That night I cried because I saw myself so ugly and unworthy from 14 years of abuse from a spouse. That was my turning point and I began to do the work. Thank you Nurse Richards!"
...
Calvin Richards writes:
"What I find most rewarding about direct care is the interaction with the veterans, and the opportunity to make a difference. As a veteran myself having no "wounds to show" I feel privileged to share my mental health knowledge, with the hope of making a difference in their lives. Our reward as psychiatric nurses comes from seeing a patient walk out of the hospital a changed person, motivated for success and a life with endless possibilities. This award captures the spirit of why I came to work here at the VA."
...
Calvin Richards started his career with the Atlanta VA in the summer of 2015. His nursing expertise and compassionate care have been valuable contributions to the 4th floor Inpatient Psychiatry team. He brings with him over 20 years of nursing experience, predominantly in the area of psychiatry and leadership. The nursing care delivered by Mr. Richards is a shining example of what our Veterans deserve.