Laura Del Castillo
May 2025
Laura
Del Castillo
,
RN
Med-Surg
White River Junction VA Medical Center
White River Junction
,
VT
United States
She sees past stereotypes and stigmas, recognizing individuals as they truly are—hurting individuals who are struggling. Her compassionate heart ensures she never rushes her interactions, dedicating the time necessary for veterans to feel heard and valued.
I would like to nominate Laura Del Castillo, a Med/Surg RN at White River Junction VA Hospital, for her extraordinary ability to deliver exceptional clinical care and compassion. Laura consistently exemplifies these qualities in her everyday practice.
Laura's bright and cheery disposition not only uplifts her coworkers but also has a profoundly positive effect on her patients, especially those who may not always feel heard or valued. Despite not having special training or knowledge to deal with veterans who are troubled and suicidal, Laura possesses a unique gift. She sees past stereotypes and stigmas, recognizing individuals as they truly are—hurting individuals who are struggling. Her compassionate heart ensures she never rushes her interactions, dedicating the time necessary for veterans to feel heard and valued.
In the short time she has been with us, Laura has touched the lives of many, including at least two veterans who have expressed their gratitude for her care and compassion.
One patient's Primary Care Provider shared, "Saw a patient in primary care today who was discharged from inpatient status... He credited Laura Del Castillo RN for changing his whole perspective and outlook on life. Her positive demeanor transformed him from feeling at his lowest in his life, to having a fresh outlook to live. He felt that Ms. Castillo changed his life!"
Another patient expressed, "I was having bad thoughts about hurting myself or using stuff in my room that might kill me. Laura spent a lot of time talking with me. Because of her, I am still here today. I don’t know what her job is, but I believe she went above and beyond."
Laura's dedication to her patients' well-being and her ability to soothe and uplift those in her care truly embody the spirit of the DAISY Award. Her impact is felt not only by her patients but by all those who have the privilege of working alongside her. Laura's compassion has been a lifeline, preventing at least two veterans from becoming part of the devastating and growing list of veteran suicides.
Laura's bright and cheery disposition not only uplifts her coworkers but also has a profoundly positive effect on her patients, especially those who may not always feel heard or valued. Despite not having special training or knowledge to deal with veterans who are troubled and suicidal, Laura possesses a unique gift. She sees past stereotypes and stigmas, recognizing individuals as they truly are—hurting individuals who are struggling. Her compassionate heart ensures she never rushes her interactions, dedicating the time necessary for veterans to feel heard and valued.
In the short time she has been with us, Laura has touched the lives of many, including at least two veterans who have expressed their gratitude for her care and compassion.
One patient's Primary Care Provider shared, "Saw a patient in primary care today who was discharged from inpatient status... He credited Laura Del Castillo RN for changing his whole perspective and outlook on life. Her positive demeanor transformed him from feeling at his lowest in his life, to having a fresh outlook to live. He felt that Ms. Castillo changed his life!"
Another patient expressed, "I was having bad thoughts about hurting myself or using stuff in my room that might kill me. Laura spent a lot of time talking with me. Because of her, I am still here today. I don’t know what her job is, but I believe she went above and beyond."
Laura's dedication to her patients' well-being and her ability to soothe and uplift those in her care truly embody the spirit of the DAISY Award. Her impact is felt not only by her patients but by all those who have the privilege of working alongside her. Laura's compassion has been a lifeline, preventing at least two veterans from becoming part of the devastating and growing list of veteran suicides.