June 2026 Honoree
Maylene Oda, AA/AS
I would like to commend Maylene May Oda, Home-Based Primary Care Registered Nurse, for her compassionate, skillful, and consistently exceptional care. May provides outstanding clinical support to the Veterans she serves and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to their families and caregivers, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and prepared to provide quality care at home.
During one home visit, May was attending to her patient when she heard the patient’s friend/caregiver in distress. She immediately checked on him and found him diaphoretic, disoriented, weak, unable to follow directions, and unable to speak. Recognizing the need for urgent medical intervention, she called 911 and remained by his side until EMS arrived.
After he was transported to the hospital, May completed her visit with the Veteran. Before leaving, she ensured he had food available and was able to contact another nearby friend for support if needed. The friend/caregiver later shared that he had been hyperglycemic and was diagnosed with uncontrolled diabetes and sepsis. He stated that without May's quick response, he might not have survived and expressed deep gratitude for her care, even though he was not her patient.
On another occasion, May visited a newly enrolled Veteran with dementia who lives alone with limited resources and minimal social support. His healthcare and financial power of attorney reported progressive cognitive and functional decline and episodes of incontinence. During her visit, May discovered dried stool on the Veteran's chair, floors, and walls. The Veteran had changed his clothes but did not recall having an accident. May completed her nursing assessment and then spent an additional 45 minutes cleaning and disinfecting his home using the limited supplies available. Her actions preserved the Veteran’s dignity while addressing an urgent environmental and safety concern.
May exemplifies the values of compassionate nursing, clinical excellence, and service to others. Her actions consistently demonstrate her deep commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of the Veterans in her care and even those who are not her patients
During one home visit, May was attending to her patient when she heard the patient’s friend/caregiver in distress. She immediately checked on him and found him diaphoretic, disoriented, weak, unable to follow directions, and unable to speak. Recognizing the need for urgent medical intervention, she called 911 and remained by his side until EMS arrived.
After he was transported to the hospital, May completed her visit with the Veteran. Before leaving, she ensured he had food available and was able to contact another nearby friend for support if needed. The friend/caregiver later shared that he had been hyperglycemic and was diagnosed with uncontrolled diabetes and sepsis. He stated that without May's quick response, he might not have survived and expressed deep gratitude for her care, even though he was not her patient.
On another occasion, May visited a newly enrolled Veteran with dementia who lives alone with limited resources and minimal social support. His healthcare and financial power of attorney reported progressive cognitive and functional decline and episodes of incontinence. During her visit, May discovered dried stool on the Veteran's chair, floors, and walls. The Veteran had changed his clothes but did not recall having an accident. May completed her nursing assessment and then spent an additional 45 minutes cleaning and disinfecting his home using the limited supplies available. Her actions preserved the Veteran’s dignity while addressing an urgent environmental and safety concern.
May exemplifies the values of compassionate nursing, clinical excellence, and service to others. Her actions consistently demonstrate her deep commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of the Veterans in her care and even those who are not her patients
Thank you, Maylene, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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