I am nominating Kristen Porter, an Intensive Community Mental Health and Recovery (ICMHR) nurse, for the DAISY Award due to her exceptional demonstration of the VA's I-CARE Values in her daily work and her recent handling of a potentially critical situation. 

Integrity- Kristen consistently adheres to the highest professional standards in her role as an ICMHR nurse. She works with a severely mentally ill population, requiring a sensitive approach to mental health, physical health, and medication adherence. Kristen's integrity shines through in her dedication to building trust with her patients, coworkers, and pharmacy professionals, ensuring she has the necessary resources to provide optimal community-based care. 

Commitment- Kristen's commitment to serving Veterans is evident in her daily activities. She diligently visits individuals in their homes and communities, setting up pill boxes, administering injections, and performing various challenging tasks essential to her role. Her unwavering dedication to her patients and the VA's mission is clear in her tireless efforts to improve the lives of those she serves.

Advocacy- Kristen truly embodies the Veteran-centric approach in her work. A recent example highlights her exceptional advocacy skills: When a Veteran moved from Northern Colorado to Colorado Springs and faced difficulties coordinating her care, Kristen took immediate action. She reached out to the previous VA facility, contacted local psychiatry and pharmacy connections, and successfully delivered crucial medication to the Veteran who was unable to manage this on her own. This demonstrates Kristen's ability to identify and advance the interests of Veterans in challenging situations.

Respect-  Kristen's interactions with patients, coworkers, and other healthcare professionals, Kristen consistently demonstrates respect and dignity. Her ability to build strong relationships with the individuals she serves, as well as her collaborative approach with colleagues, exemplifies her commitment to treating everyone with respect and earning it in return.

Excellence- Kristen strives for the highest quality of care and continuous improvement in her work. Her recent handling of the Veterans' medication crisis showcases her excellence in nursing practice. By leveraging her communication skills, professional network, and problem-solving abilities,  Kristen prevented a potential crisis and ensured the Veteran received necessary care. This example illustrates Kristen's commitment to excellence and her willingness to go above and beyond to serve Veterans.

In conclusion, Kristen exemplifies the VA's I-CARE Values through her daily work and her recent actions in preventing a crisis.

Her dedication to improving the lives of Veterans with severe mental illness, her ability to navigate complex healthcare systems, and her commitment to excellence make her an outstanding candidate for the DAISY Award. Kristen's work as an ICMHR nurse truly makes a significant impact on the lives of the Veterans she serves, and she deserves recognition for her exceptional nursing practice.