Denise Kleypas is an exceptional nurse who provides extraordinary care to the Veterans she serves. One example of this care can clearly be seen in the following story. A resident was admitted for hospice services post hemorrhagic stroke. As per her usual routine, Ms. Kleypas assessed the resident to determine his current condition and to see if she would be able to assist him with any restorative services. Communication was quickly identified as a barrier in this aphasic gentleman. She initially attempted to address this by providing him with a pen and paper. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful with this. The next attempt was to use a communication board, which again was unsuccessful. Ms. Kleypas contacted the provider and requested a speech therapy consultation to see what additional tools might be available for this gentleman. To add to the situation, it was initially thought that this Veteran was unable to comprehend what was being said to him, but while working with this Veteran, Ms. Kleypas was able to determine that he had a hearing deficit. Ms. Kleypas reached out to audiology and was able to get him a pocket talker to amplify sounds. This simple addition made a world of difference for this Veteran. This all occurred before the speech therapist was able to see him. Over the next month, this Veteran drastically improved. In addition to addressing his communication needs, Ms. Kleypas also worked with him to improve his functional abilities. She initially worked with him to improve bed mobility, then to navigate the facility utilizing a wheelchair, and soon after, had the gentleman walking with a walker. This Veteran, who was admitted under hospice with a poor prognosis, shed tears when he ambulated in the hall the first time. Because Ms. Kleypas is such a patient advocate, this gentleman went from being bed bound with an anticipated short life expectancy to planning a discharge home with family. This is just one example of the impact that Ms. Kleypas has had, but this is honestly not anything beyond the norm for her. She consistently acts in her residents' best interests, speaking up as needed to ensure the Veteran receives the care he/she deserves. In the past year that I have worked at the VA, I have seen Ms. Kleypas plan numerous activities to engage both staff and residents, including a tie dye shirt day, cookie decorating, a Mardi Gras parade, a monthly resident "game day", a recent ball toss between residents, and more. She gets to know the residents, what they like, how to engage them, even when others cannot. Ms. Kleypas is a team player. She helps her peers regardless of the task to meet Veterans' needs. The nursing care that she provides daily exemplifies clinical excellence and compassionate care.