Nurse Coltrane has provided my husband with exceptional care while she has been our nurse. Yet, there is nothing that compares to how she saved my husband's life while off duty during his non-VA medical appointment.

In December, while at a doctor's visit at another facility, my husband suddenly became confused and disoriented. I took his blood sugar and it was 41. I gave him crackers and juice, but regardless of what he ate, his BS continued to go down. He then became unresponsive. At that time, I went to seek help from the office staff. I told them what was going on, and they had no idea how to help me. The secretary went to the back to ask for help, but after 10 minutes, she had not returned and no help arrived. I wasn't sure what to do at that point.

As if ordained by God, Nurse Coltrane walked into the medical office for her own appointment and instantly jumped into action to help us. She asked what was going on and went to the receptionist to ask what their emergency protocol was. The staff at the front desk was unsure. At that moment, Nurse Coltrane commanded them to activate the emergency response system. Without thinking, she went behind the receptionist's desk and searched for gloves. She cleaned his mouth of crackers so that he wouldn't choke. Help was there within minutes.

Nurse Coltrane has demonstrated the I CARE principles in the following ways:

Integrity: Despite of being off duty, Nurse Coltrane jumped into action and offered help. My confidence and trust in her as my nurse and in the VA has grown tremendously.

Commitment: Nurse Coltrane is committed to the well-being of veterans by ensuring that we receive quality care on VA campuses, as well as off of VA campuses.

Advocacy: Nurse Coltrane advocated for my husband by ensuring that he received the emergent care that he needed at the time.

Respect: Nurse Coltrane kept professional and had a positive composure. She remained respectful of staff that was present, while also maintaining the dignity of my husband.

Excellence: Nurse Coltrane demonstrated excellence with her skill and knowledge, as well as going above and beyond what I would have ever expected.

I don't know what would have happened hadn't Nurse Coltrane showed up when she did. This situation says a lot about her character and dedication to the call of being a nurse. Her nursing care and skills extend beyond her place of work. Her love and compassion for others is a lifestyle, and not just how she earns a living. I am forever grateful for her being there that day.