One day, I happened to be sitting in the lobby. I observed an elderly veteran exit the elevator with his daughter who was attempting to assist him. The elderly veteran was hunched over and ambulating with a cane. The veteran appeared confused and winded. At the check-in window, he was told that he did not have an appointment. The veteran expressed that he was deeply disappointed, and he depended on his daughter for transportation. This presented a hardship. The daughter disclosed that the veteran had been recently discharged from the hospital due to a hypertensive emergency. Nurse Perry overheard the situation. Without hesitation, she demonstrated the best qualities in nursing and the core values of the VA.

Respect: In the most respectful manner, Nurse Perry approached the elderly veteran and introduced herself. Her greeting was warm and heartfelt. The confused and frustrated expression on the veteran’s face seemed to magically transform into a smile.

Advocacy: Nurse Perry jumped into action by preserving the veteran’s dignity. She provided freedom from suffering by retrieving a wheelchair to promote mobility, safety, and enhance his wellbeing.

Integrity: Her actions were very impressive. It was evident that Nurse Perry was in the midst of a busy day as she was walking with a purpose through the lobby. Yet, she had the integrity and high moral principle to stop what she was doing to help a veteran in need. Her forthrightness and trustworthiness radiated and were applauded by bystanders.

Excellence: Nurse Perry pleaded the Veteran’s case and was able to obtain a same-day appointment for the veteran. As a result of Nurse Perry’s actions, the veteran was placed on life-saving medications and a home/community consult was placed. The veteran and his daughter were extremely appreciative.

Commitment: Nurse Perry displayed loyalty and a true commitment to the mission of the VA and to the nursing profession. Her actions proved that striving for continuous improvement and providing the highest quality of care despite challenges can only benefit our Veterans.

Thanks to Nurse Perry, the veteran’s outcomes included improved functional status, patient safety, and patient satisfaction.