Derrick D Walker
March 2025
Derrick D
Walker
,
RN
Emergency Department
Central Arkansas Veterans HealthCare System
Little Rock
,
AR
United States
It was Derrick who gave my grandmother the comfort that if he didn't get any better, to come back. He was heartfelt, and we could tell he meant it - it wasn't just his job, but his concern and encouragement to us to make sure our Pop was better.
I am a registered nurse in the ER, and I was truly blown away by the outstanding words my family spoke about Derrick. My Pop went to the ER a few weeks back and ended up having an amazing nurse. His name was Derrick, which was easy to remember because it is a family name. We instantly felt like my Pop was in good hands.
Derrick was kind, understanding, and resilient in finding help for my Pop. He made my mom and grandmother feel welcome and assured them that he was going to make sure they did all they could to help my Pop. He kept us posted on everything they were doing and the tests they were running. He listened to my grandmother about what all has been going on and listened to my Pop to get a better idea of what he was experiencing.
After many hours of testing, they discharged my Pop with what they thought may be the problem. However, it was Derrick who gave my grandmother the comfort that if he didn't get any better to come back. He was heartfelt, and we could tell he meant it - it wasn't just his job, but his concern and encouragement to us to make sure our Pop was better.
Then, the biggest thing was telling my Pop “Thank you for your service" and shaking his hand. He hugged my grandmother and told us safe travels on the 2-hour drive home. Fast forward a couple weeks, and my Pop wasn't any better. Derrick was one of the first ones we saw when we got to the ER - a godsend. He was not my Pop's actual nurse this time, but checked on him, and reassured us this time my Pop was not leaving until they had answers. Pop ended up being admitted to the hospital for several days.
Nursing is a hard profession, and ER nurses see so many patients, most of whom they never see again. Derrick left an impact on our family. All it takes is one person to care and want the best outcome for everyone. I am not 100% sure what branch, but I am pretty sure Derrick served his country as well.
Derrick - thank you for doing amazing. You are a true hero to our family.
Derrick was kind, understanding, and resilient in finding help for my Pop. He made my mom and grandmother feel welcome and assured them that he was going to make sure they did all they could to help my Pop. He kept us posted on everything they were doing and the tests they were running. He listened to my grandmother about what all has been going on and listened to my Pop to get a better idea of what he was experiencing.
After many hours of testing, they discharged my Pop with what they thought may be the problem. However, it was Derrick who gave my grandmother the comfort that if he didn't get any better to come back. He was heartfelt, and we could tell he meant it - it wasn't just his job, but his concern and encouragement to us to make sure our Pop was better.
Then, the biggest thing was telling my Pop “Thank you for your service" and shaking his hand. He hugged my grandmother and told us safe travels on the 2-hour drive home. Fast forward a couple weeks, and my Pop wasn't any better. Derrick was one of the first ones we saw when we got to the ER - a godsend. He was not my Pop's actual nurse this time, but checked on him, and reassured us this time my Pop was not leaving until they had answers. Pop ended up being admitted to the hospital for several days.
Nursing is a hard profession, and ER nurses see so many patients, most of whom they never see again. Derrick left an impact on our family. All it takes is one person to care and want the best outcome for everyone. I am not 100% sure what branch, but I am pretty sure Derrick served his country as well.
Derrick - thank you for doing amazing. You are a true hero to our family.