Nicole exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional, caring, and dedicated professional in the nursing field. Nicole has been employed at the Venango CBOC for almost 3 years. In that time, she has built a reputation of being a fantastic nurse and a great team player. She is the backbone of Venango PACT Team I, and has wonderful intuitive skills. She is always anticipating the needs of Dr. G and his patients. She excels in all aspects of her position in the clinic.

Nicole demonstrates vast knowledge that she has gained over years of nursing experience with plenty of hands-on skills. She always jumps in when a veteran is in need and finds a solution on the spot to better serve the patient. Many of her patients know her voice and look forward to her phone calls as well as they enjoy talking with her in person.

Recently one of her patients came into the CBOC requesting a COVID vaccine. His wife had passed away within the last year. He had relied on his spouse to assist with his appointments, medications, meal prep, and all aspects of daily living. This veteran had no means of transportation. He needed to use the county bus to get to and from appointments as his eyesight was failing quickly. Nicole vigilantly worked with other staff to arrange transportation to the clinic for his COVID injection. Nicole also noticed that he was in need of a provider appointment with Dr. G, and worked with the team to make this happen, too. After his visit, Nicole realized how dire the veteran's situation was at home. She assisted to get further transportation for additional appointments in specialty clinics for his eyesight. A few months later, Nicole attempted to check up on the patient and ended up speaking to a neighbor who was helping to take care of the veteran. She took it upon herself to discuss with his provider to get social services involved and home care services consulted, as she had discovered that he was taking his medications incorrectly. She continued to monitor and follow this patient to check on his status for several months. She always goes out of her way to assist in finding transportation to his appointments. This is a perfect example of Nicole's care and compassion for our veterans.

Additionally, Nicole cares for another patient on her team with severe behavioral health issues. She always makes a point to have him scheduled when she is there, as they have a wonderful therapeutic relationship. She understands that he is comfortable with her, and he remains calm when she assists him. She treats him with a great deal of respect despite his behaviors which sometimes makes it difficult to do.

Nicole's hard work and promptness are admirable. She always reports to work early, and volunteers to stay if needed. Her patients all adore her, her willingness to help, and how attentive and caring she is. A patient also said, "They don't make nurses like that anymore." She is an amazing nurse and key to the Venango team. Nicole's hard work does not go unnoticed by her peers. I am proud to call her my coworker and blessed to have her on my team, caring for our patients.