Philip Sullivan, RN

Philip Sullivan, a Registered Nurse at the Phoenix VA Health Care System, was an awesome nurse. I use the word "was" here because his funeral was today. And I use the word "awesome" here because I was literally always awed by how he was able to seemingly effortlessly manage every case presented to him with maximum efficiency and with a supremely loving heart.

Philip Sullivan transferred to the Phoenix VA HCS from Tampa, Florida's VA a few years ago. Upon greeting him on his very first day at the Midtown Clinic, I then worked with him daily for several years until his recent death. I learned much from Philip Sullivan just by simply watching him. He always asked the right questions and did the right things. He was always thoroughly loyal to every single one of the patients he served. And he was always helpful to all of his nurse colleagues and others here without fail. Philip always had a smile on his face every time I ever saw him. He was never gruff or in any way disrespectful to anyone. He always had a kind word for anyone who might have needed one. He never, ever strayed from the ethics platform of his science, nursing. He never shrank away from being brave whenever bravery was needed. He always used the verbiage of a true gentleman. And he always took superb care of every one of his patients, always. The science of Nursing will forever miss having Philip Sullivan within nursing's ranks. Philip Sullivan was an awesome nurse and a great friend to all.