Maria Applewood is a special nurse. Her years of serving as a nurse and the experiences she has grown with make her an exceptional nurse - not only with Veterans but with any aspect of nursing she elects to choose. That is why I am taking the time to recognize her.

--I CARE Principle: Integrity
Maria strives to maintain the trust and confidence of all she engages. 
Recently, I went in to see another practitioner at CBOC (the Veteran's Clinic in Charlottesville, Va. My flu vaccine and covid vaccines were due - and because of the clinics caring for patient policies, I was asked if I wanted to take the vaccines. But, upon further examination of my medical record, they could not give them to me. This had been a problem, in the past, partially because of an error put in about a Covid 19 vaccination. I had ringing in my ears - not an allergic reaction. With their faith in Maria and her knowledge of my health care there, they unhesitatingly suggested that I call and talk to her. The doctor and nurse both voiced their respect and confidence in her, openly stating that she is well respected in this Veterans clinic. I called Maria. She was right on top of this issue. I had received both vaccines in the past - since Covid - and we discussed my having to get special approval each time. She contacted my doctor, the pharmacist and anyone else she needed to and contacted me to come to the vaccination clinic to get these 2 immunizations. She also checked to see if I was due for pneumonia and RSV vaccinations. When I got to the clinic, she personally came to take the responsibility of giving the vaccinations.
SHE HEARD ME.
(maintains the trust and confidence of all with whom she engages) 

--I CARE Principle: Commitment
Maria shows how to communicate respectfully and unbiasedly.
We communicate a lot through my Healthevet messenger. Though she has 3 days to reply, I can depend on a reply the next day she returns (if not the same day) with further clarification or action steps. This makes me aware that what I feel and say is important to her. She has a commitment to make me feel like my life and health are valued. Rather than phone calls that get tied up with a 3rd party, I have found that this suggestion of using Messenger works much better. She always Warmly replies with directions or actions to take - while being open to what I say, explaining her viewpoint and/or accepting mine. 
SHE IS NOT "IN CHARGE", SHE IS A PARTNER IN MY CARE. 
(Serves Veterans and their families by honoring VA's mission) 

--I CARE PRINCIPLE: Advocacy
Maria has the ability to collaborate and communicate. 
Recently, I received numerous billings for the same service from a local hospital for months. Though I contacted this hospital repeatedly, they said I wa·s responsible. I called the advocacy office twice, but my call was never returned. · Finally, I mentioned this to Maria. She called me back with 3 Veteran administration numbers to call for help. The next day, after talking to another person, she called me back with a 4th number. With her educating me about the process, I called 3 days ago to the hospital and the matter is resolved. 

Ongoing, she coordinates with the pharmacy to have medication sent to CBOC so that I can pick it up in the afternoon when a new, necessary medication is needed. She then puts it in my hand with written educational papers, verbal explanations, and a signature obtained. This is not an everyday thing, just in exceptional instances when other means are not available. Sometimes, I can go to the Uva pharmacy downstairs, but often, there is at least the next day pickup. Working with local pharmacies can be difficult. 
SHE EDUCATED ME AND HAD THE COMMITMENT TO HELP ME WITH A SITUATION THAT WAS TRULY BOTHERING ME.
(truly focuses on serving the Veteran) 

--I CARE PRINCIPLE: Respect
Marie respects my illnesses and the strain they can put on me.
When I had signs that my cancer maybe was spreading, I could not get an appointment with my community oncologist for 10 days. I was discussing another issue with Maria at the time. She not only empathetically listened but discussed this with my primary physician. They stepped into support mode and worked to get tests scheduled and reassured me that things would move as fast as they could for diagnosis and treatment. They gave me the strength (not with verbal instruction or put downs of anyone) with mental support to call my community oncologist and request being worked in if any, any cancellations occurred. They gave me peace enough to figure this out on my own. Then the surgeon could not see me for a few days. Kind words and knowing that a plan was already in place kept my tears from flowing down my face and I could function. They respect me, whether I am right or wrong on my journey. 
SHE ACTIVELY LISTENED, VALIDATED MY CONCERNS BY REPEATING THEM TO ME, STARTED COLLABORATION FOR SUPPORT AND HELP - WHICH MADE ME STRONGER (Provides dignity and respect to everyone she serves or encounters)

--I CARE PRINCIPLE: Excellence
Marie exhibits excellence through her unrelenting desire to pass on knowledge and help. 
When I had cataract surgery through community health, I could not reach that doctor's office. The phone rang and rang with no answer and I could not "hop up" to the office because of restrictions from surgery. Again, I was talking with Marie on another issue. Marie said that their office is just down the hill from Veterans, and if we couldn't reach them she would walk down there and have them call. Wow! She ended up not walking down there. Turned out that the nurse there had gotten caught up and all of the phones in the office were turned off during lunch (1.2-1300), so when they came back after lunch my phone call was returned and I was immediately seen for screening and treatment. 

Marie is unhesitating in saying "thank you for your service" and voicing her gratitude in being able to help with my healthcare. I thank her for serving me and other veterans.

The CBOC office personnel shows and voices respect of and confidence in her. So do I.
Maria is always professionally dressed with every hair in place. Her "Mrs. S," with a lier smile and a wave of her arm to come in, is welcoming in the lobby. She adheres to a high standard of ethics as noted by her protection of confidentiality. Her ability to remember everything and not have her head in a computer but her eyes on me during office visits is remarkable. Her memory and recollection are unreal. Her work through the years to make herself an example of professional nursing with knowledge and compassion has been accomplished, though I don't believe she will ever stop trying to be better. 

SHE IS PROFESSIONAL, ETHICAL, COMPASSIONATE, AND HAS A GOOD ATTITUDE (She strives for the highest quality and continuous improvement). She is my angel, my miracle worker, and my sanity. My dreams about my health care are good partially because of her actions through nursing. Though I don't particularly love medical offices for care (I have worked in many offices), she and her actions make my visit comfortable. 

I was glad to see The DAISY Award forms in the lobby when I had my vaccinations. Now I can write my thank you for her service on a few of the many occasions over the years. THANK YOU for this opportunity.