Rajvinder Dogra, RN

Rajvinder Dogra (or “Raj” as we like to call her) has been a nurse for approximately 7 years. In addition to her work in the VA's Med/Surg unit, she also works part-time at a local rehabilitation center, finding fulfillment in helping others through wellness coaching, health training, and exercise. Raj was the first nurse to train me when I transitioned to the night shift on 6D/Med-Surg, and, as a new nurse, I found her guidance instrumental to my professional development. One evening, Raj was assigned to a patient admitted for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. After assessing the patient and reviewing his medical history, she suspected Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), a highly contagious organism. Raj wasted no time and spoke with the provider, recommending a test for C. Diff based on her observations; she also detailed the veteran’s past medical history (risk factors for C. Diff infection): recent antibiotic use, age over 65, hospitalization, and underlying health conditions. Subsequent lab results confirmed that the patient had C. Diff. The patient was immediately moved into a private room with a private bathroom, and “contact plus” precaution signs were placed outside the patient’s room. The provider’s medical approach and plan of care were immediately adjusted to target the illness.

Raj used this situation as a teaching moment, showing me how to recognize this infection and how to communicate nursing concerns to medical and nursing staff. Raj’s quick thinking, commitment to education, and patient advocacy led to a faster recovery for the patient, taught me how to identify and approach similar situations in the future, and may have prevented the transmission of C. Diff to other patients and staff. She exemplifies and embodies the VA’s standards for patient care, safety, advocacy, and improved patient outcomes.