January 2022 Honoree
Max Rentfrow, RN
I would like to commend Max of the Copper team in Decatur. I wish to commend Max for two recent events, but also to state that I consider Max the best representative of the VA and I have encountered during the last few years that I have utilized the Decatur clinic.
Until I was diagnosed with diabetes, I used the civilian health care system exclusively. However, the cost of insulin would have bankrupted my retirement, so I became a patient at the local VA. As I have had long-term relationships with several physicians in Decatur, I continue to see them and coordinate prescriptions within the VA clinic. I normally see VA providers for only routine matters. Max, on the other hand, has been my first contact when an emergency occurs (for which I am extremely grateful).
After checking on the status of my insulin refill, I found the Levemir was “back-ordered” and that there was no idea when the order would be filled. I contacted Max through secure messaging. He proceeded to find me a substitute locally and, after considerable effort on his part, was able to get me an emergency supply. Of course, only a few days after all of this work I received my normal insulin from the VA. I would have been a mental wreck without Max's proficient and confident inspiring effort. He even telephoned to check on me when I suspect my online messages reflect increased stress on my part.
A second similar experience occurred when my blood pressure refills were delayed in shipping and he again worked with a local pharmacy to secure an emergency 10-day supply and then follow up with the VA script. I have such confidence in Max that I just take for granted; others must also have had positive experiences as well. Therefore, I wish to reiterate that I should have written this earlier. I will blame Max; he simply has such a positive demeanor that I almost forget what it might have been like with a less skillful nurse handling the task.
I know one day Max will have the opportunity to move on, but I dread that day. I believe that Max represents the skilled and compassionate nursing care that should be celebrate whenever and wherever it occurs.
Until I was diagnosed with diabetes, I used the civilian health care system exclusively. However, the cost of insulin would have bankrupted my retirement, so I became a patient at the local VA. As I have had long-term relationships with several physicians in Decatur, I continue to see them and coordinate prescriptions within the VA clinic. I normally see VA providers for only routine matters. Max, on the other hand, has been my first contact when an emergency occurs (for which I am extremely grateful).
After checking on the status of my insulin refill, I found the Levemir was “back-ordered” and that there was no idea when the order would be filled. I contacted Max through secure messaging. He proceeded to find me a substitute locally and, after considerable effort on his part, was able to get me an emergency supply. Of course, only a few days after all of this work I received my normal insulin from the VA. I would have been a mental wreck without Max's proficient and confident inspiring effort. He even telephoned to check on me when I suspect my online messages reflect increased stress on my part.
A second similar experience occurred when my blood pressure refills were delayed in shipping and he again worked with a local pharmacy to secure an emergency 10-day supply and then follow up with the VA script. I have such confidence in Max that I just take for granted; others must also have had positive experiences as well. Therefore, I wish to reiterate that I should have written this earlier. I will blame Max; he simply has such a positive demeanor that I almost forget what it might have been like with a less skillful nurse handling the task.
I know one day Max will have the opportunity to move on, but I dread that day. I believe that Max represents the skilled and compassionate nursing care that should be celebrate whenever and wherever it occurs.
Thank you, Max, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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