June 2020
Keri
Whannell
,
RN
Mental Health
VA Nebraska - Western Iowa Health Care System
Omaha
,
NE
United States
Keri displays compassion for the Veterans she cares for in the CRRC program. She goes above and beyond. She worked hard to ensure the Veterans enjoy their holidays by bringing decorations from her home to decorate the patient hallway. Keri is very caring and strives to make sure every Veteran feels special. She is very thoughtful when it comes to personal anniversaries and milestones of the Veterans. For example, she gifted a plant as a house-warming gift so the Veteran would feel special on his birthday. She also gave the Veteran a card signed by all the staff. She recognizes that for some of the Veterans, this is their only gift on their birthday. She is willing to step up and assist in other units. She does not complain and has a positive attitude. She was instrumental in the transition of a Veteran who was moving to another state and leaving the program. The Veteran was overwhelmed and anxious about reconnecting with family due to his challenges with mental illness. Keri provided therapeutic coping skills and reassurance during this transition. After he moved and got settled, he sent Keri a picture of him and his family during the holidays. The Veteran reported that the CRRC program was the Gold Standard of care. The Veteran stated, "I wouldn't be here without Keri, I can't thank her enough."