Deena Ostendorf has been a bright, familiar face to the SCVA since 1992. She started her career here in the CLC 49-2 on May 3rd, 1992. She is a graduate of Willmar Technical College, graduating with her LPN Degree. She continued her career in the CLC, until she moved to the Surgical Specialty Clinic February of 2001. Deena is a stalwart of the SSC. She possesses great knowledge and is a tremendous resource to her fellow nurses and providers.

Deena continues to educate and excel in the Podiatry Department, where she is a core nurse. She problem-solves inefficiencies as they arise and adjusts the podiatry schedule to improve workflow. She accommodates the needs and requests of Veterans and assists with researching and procuring educational materials approved through Patient Education. She responds to patients' phone calls while problem-solving and documenting their plan of care. She trains new staff to provide podiatry services. She also assists providers with foot and wound care procedures.

Deena has worked tirelessly and participated in the day-to-day operation of the clinical flow. She meets the ongoing challenges of providing high-quality, safe patient care while maintaining clinic productivity and efficiency in the following areas: Nursing Intake, General Surgery Minor Procedures, ENT, and the aforementioned Podiatry. Deena remains the primary preceptor for LPNs new to the SSC Podiatry service. She has attended the Preceptor Training Course, incorporating best practices into her orientation model.

Deena has also served on many committees throughout her career. She advocates for improving policies and the day-to-day needs of her patients and fellow employees. Deena served as the Prevention of Amputations in Veterans Everywhere (PAVE) coordinator. She was responsible for gathering statistics surrounding the number of amputations performed and why, collaborating with other members of the healthcare team regarding infection prevention and control. She networked with the Chief of Podiatry for the entire VA HCS and the National Chairperson of the PAVE Committee. Deena has been on the PAVE Committee for over 14 years and continues to be an advocate promoting Veteran-Centered Care in Podiatry services.

Deena also serves on the GEM Committee updating and reviewing MSDS sheets every 6 months and reporting back. She leads the Hand Hygiene Audits monthly in SSC. She is also the SSC Glucometer Super User, on the Yellow Belt project for the glucometer.

Deena has also had the esteemed honor of being nominated and receiving the LPN Nurse of the Year Award, in 2017.

Daily we see Deena's genuine kindness and care with the Veterans. Veterans that have appointments in other departments within the SSC have to make a pit stop to Podiatry to get their dose of Deena's smile and bright demeanor. Every morning Deena greets the staff with joy and eagerness ready work with her "favorite" patient, as she refers to each and every one of her Veterans.

As if this list of achievements were not enough, her dedication, care, and advocacy spill over into the community. She has been a member of the VFW Chapter 428 in St. Cloud since 2013. She works as a wait staff member when the VFW is short-staffed. She also works most of the meat raffles that the VFW hosts on Friday evenings after her shifts here at the St. Cloud Veteran Affairs Health Care System.

I think it clear to see Deena's 32-year career here at the St. Cloud Veteran Affairs Health Care System has been one filled with accomplishments, honors, and passion for her work. For anyone who has had the pleasure to work with or be one of her patients, they would attest that she is an absolute asset to the St. Cloud Veteran Affairs Health Care System and our Veterans.

I have the distinct honor to call Deena my co-worker, my mentor, and my friend.