One morning a Veteran shared how he was touched by a caring nurse. He proceeded to tell me how difficult his previous night was for him. He shared with me that he had “broken down, felt lonely, scared, and helpless.” With tears in his eyes the Veteran stated he did not know what to do, until his nurse Ivan Colon entered his room. The patient then explained that despite noting how hectic the night was for the nurses in the unit, Ivan took the time to ask me what was wrong. Although the patient told the nurse “I will be fine” Ivan did not leave the Veterans side because Ivan’s intuitively understood the patient needed someone to talk to and not be left alone. The patient described how he was dealing with the loss of his leg, loss of independence, and other healthcare issues. He stated “Ivan took the time, stood by my side, helped me get my thoughts together, and helped me feel safe again.” In conclusion the patient said “I do not know what would have happened that night if Ivan was not there to ask and listen to me.” The patient then commented how he has been in other health care institutions and “the best care comes from the VA nurses.”

I am writing this DAISY Award nomination as I believe Ivan Colon demonstrates an intuition and art which comes from experience, good listening, and observation skills. Ivan has demonstrated extraordinary patient care by developing a nurse-patient trusting relationship which enhanced the client’s well-being through interaction, thoughts, feelings, and actions. Through therapeutic communication Ivan was able to provide care not only for the patient’s body also his spirit.