Sam Morgan exemplifies daily what it means to be a compassionate, engaged and attentive nurse. Sam is knowledgeable and practices with passion as a true patient advocate. Sam has exceptional communication skills with Veterans, especially Veterans dealing with substance abuse, suicidal ideation, and end of life. Sam always takes the time to talk to Veterans even if he is super busy. Sam genuinely cares about our Veterans' welfare and he receives Shining Lights from our patients almost weekly.
We had a Veteran who had no place to live and was spending a large amount of his time here at the VA. Sam made sure he had food to eat and went out of his way to try and connect him with the help he needed.
Recently, a Veteran said, "Sam did not just make my day, but he made my life better". This Veteran was admitted for detox and Sam befriended him and encouraged him to go to the Outpatient Substance Abuse program. A year later the Veteran returned to thank Sam and tell him he was thinking about relapsing. Even though Sam had a busy assignment, Sam took the time to talk to the Veteran, but most of all he listened.