Shannon L Roberts LPN has been with VA for 10 years and in Mental Health for 9 years. Shannon was a Professional Office worker for well over 25 years but she wanted something more. Shannon's Aunt was a nurse at the VA for many years. Her Aunt noticed Shannon's caring, compassionate ways so she encouraged Shannon to go back to school to get her nursing certificate. Shannon worked in a nursing home during her first year of nursing. When the opportunity became available, Shannon applied for a LPN job with the VA. Shannon was hired and worked on a surgical floor for one year. Shannon applied for a LPN job with the Mental Health Clinic outpatient services. Shannon had firsthand experience working with family members with suicidal ideation and mental health issues. Shannon wanted to be part of educating and preventing suicide.

Shannon shows compassion, caring, and respect for the Veterans. She goes above and beyond what needs to be done in her scope of practice to assist Veterans. Shannon is always willing to lend a hand to assist her co-workers. Shannon has trained all 3 LPNs and continues to assist when needed. If we present a question or a problem, Shannon will find the answer! Shannon encourages her co-workers to follow the ICARE motto of the VA. We are a strong Team and continue to learn every day. Shannon has found her "Home” here with the VA.

As her direct supervisor in outpatient mental health, I concur with the sentiments of her LPN peers and ALWAYS ready to teach new staff the proper ways to do things. She does so with patience, understanding, and grace. Because of Shannon and her selfless efforts in orienting new staff (three over the past two years), the exceptional level of nursing care rendered to our Veterans has been that were not coming in face-to-face during COVID with outreach phone calls to check on their well-being and mentored her peers to do the same. It is an honor to work with such a dedicated and wonderful nurse.