Patrice is a very dedicated nurse who always goes the extra step to help our veterans, making sure that they get the best care. She does this on a daily basis even during stressful times. There are numerous instances that could be submitted for Patrice to be nominated for this award, but I would like to highlight one particular episode.

Patrice called a veteran, Mr. L, to remind him that he had a scheduled visit. During their discussion, Patrice noted that he was unfamiliar with the technology. She took the time to educate him on how to connect to his visit and made sure he fully understood the process. Mr. L was able to have a successful connection and visit with his Rheumatology Provider, preventing him from having to travel from West Virginia to Pittsburgh for the appointment.

Patrice has since noted that several veterans are unfamiliar or have simply forgotten how to connect to their visits and has made it a routine practice to confirm that patients know how to connect to their appointments. She has also identified several veterans who do not have smartphones or computers with an internet connections who were scheduled for appointments.

She has had them appropriately converted to Telephone or in-person appointments. Ms. Jones also noted that rheumatologists did not have any kits or supplies for their procedures and would have to search the supply room for needles syringes alcohol betadine lidocaine etc. every time they needed to perform a joint aspiration. She assembled kits with the needed supplies significantly decreasing the time that veterans spend in the clinic when they need a procedure.