Dr. Felton embodies all that the I CARE principles stand for. She has made a difference in the lives of not only her staff but other employees at the facility. Dr. Felton retired from the United States Army as a Captain and developed a strong sense of leadership during that time. She has a strong arm that guides her staff rather than using that strong arm to push staff down. She does not micromanage, but her leadership skills encourage her staff to perform at the topmost of their ability. She is an asset to this facility.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Felton was chosen to establish the Covid Clinic. She secured the necessary staff that was needed and collaborated with other disciplines to set up the clinic, securing medications from the pharmacy, furniture from engineering, EMS staff for cleaning, and provided for the safety of the patients as well as the staff. Dr. Felton was instrumental in establishing a mobile medical team that went out into the community to provide swabbing and injections to our homeless veterans here in Alexandria as well as in the areas of our Community Based Outpatient Clinics. A staunch advocate for our veterans she ensured no veteran was turned away from the Covid clinic without alternative measures being made available to the patient. Often staying late so that the patient could be monitored properly after receiving the Covid injection.

Dr. Felton manages both Nursing Education and the Nursing Supervisor’s office. A lot of times when there was a shortage for the Nurse on Duty office, she stepped in and worked the area so that the facility had nursing supervision during the evening and night tours. She has worked in the NOD office on the weekends as well. Dr. Felton pushes her staff to higher levels by encouraging them to return to school and seek a higher degree. As coordinator of the EISP/NNEI scholarship program, many of the nursing staff have received Bachelor's, Master's, and even Doctoral degrees, including Dr. Felton. The scholarship programs are not limited to nursing staff, but to others at the facility so that they can have the opportunity to seek another or higher degree. She makes available appointment times to help applicants correctly fill out the necessary forms for approval to the program. Dr. Felton has been chosen by the Director to lead several administrative investigative boards, referred to as AIBs. She was even chosen to conduct an AIB (Administrative Investigation Board) for the Shreveport VA, and her knowledge and skills in investigations have been heavily relied upon.

She exemplifies patience and professionalism. She is always fair in her assessments. After several events of employees experiencing medical emergencies, Dr. Felton initiated the "Hands Only" CPR to help staff in all areas of the facility to know what to do when such an emergency occurs, what number to dial, and how to differentiate a medical emergency from a "code blue." As a result of her commitment to the facility, she has also developed the Simulated Code Interdisciplinary Team Training (SCITT), which involves other disciplines that play a role in managing a code situation. Other disciplines besides nursing include the Fire Department, Respiratory, Pharmacy, Police Services, Chaplin and Providers. This training allows participants to learn their roles when such an emergent situation arises. She is a member of the Code Blue Committee, as well. To help keep staff abreast of all the changes in the medical field, she initiated the JITT (Just In Time Training) which is presented ever Tuesday and Thursday for all staff to tune in TEAMS. During the JITT training by Dr. Felton and her Nursing Ed team, many topics were presented with good reviews from those who attended.

She serves as chairperson of the Professional Development team in Shared Governance. She has worked diligently to help get the Shared Governance team in operation. There are other committees that Dr. Felton is a part of the Education Advisory committee of both Northwestern and the Central Louisiana Technical Community College. As far as ICARE, her Integrity is above reproach, She's Committed to her job and her team. She's an advocate for our veterans, and many seek her for advice and assistance in navigating the complex VA system. Many people in nursing and other disciplines respect her, and what project that she is working on or is a part of illuminates her excellence. Because of Dr. Felton's professionalism, she has been slated by the Director, Mr. Dancy to attend the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce meetings along with himself. Despite her many roles and activities, she is called upon to act as the ADPCS (Associate Director, Patient Care Services) in the absence of Dr. Tademy. Because of her compassion and empathy for patients as well as staff, we recognize Dr. Felton as a DAISY Nurse Leader.