Lance Brittain is a Marine Veteran and nurse in the ED at VANEOHS. I met Lance when I spent a day shadowing in the ED, and he told me of the many projects and innovations he was working on. And, conveniently, as the EBP Council Chair, I was able to help him turn his ideas into published realities. Lance has successfully completed 2 very innovative projects in the past year, which have significantly impacted Veteran care and ED workflow. His first project, The Clothing Closet, is meant to provide new clothing to Veterans who come through the ED in need of clothing (whether they are homeless, have visibly soiled clothes, or just need new items). Lance took it upon himself to initiate this program – collecting clothing first from his church, mostly on his own time, and then formally through the Innovation Department, which has now funded the purchase ($5,000) of new clothing to give to Veterans leaving the ED.

Lance’s second project involves improving the process for trauma triage for Veterans who come to the ED with trauma. Our ED is not a certified trauma center, and many Veterans who experienced traumas were being incorrectly labeled and treated here, rather than being sent out to a certified trauma center. Lance recognized the negative impact this has on Veteran outcomes and created an entirely new process for trauma triage, as well as a new SOP for the process. Both projects have required him to interface with people and departments outside of his regular scope, and he maintained an incredible level of professionalism during these interactions and meetings – though he did not always know the process, he was open to learning!

He has collected the necessary data, worked to ensure the projects’ success, and has turned both projects into published posters! Lance’s commitment to Veteran care and satisfaction in our ED extends well beyond what is expected of a “floor nurse”. He works every day to ensure that the Veterans in our ED have the best care and experience, and it is truly evident through the time and effort he puts into both of these initiatives. I can’t think of anyone more deserving to receive the DAISY Award. His hard work and dedication to Veterans and our facility deserve to be recognized.