August 2026 Honoree
Travis Heflin, RN
Travis exceeded all expectations and exhibited all of the ICARE values in the ongoing treatment of a Dementia Vet on the 9 West unit who was undergoing a tragic loss event in his life.
Travis worked with leadership and the provider team to ensure that the Veteran was told of his wife's passing in a safe and calming environment and requested additional PRN medication for the Veteran to provide if needed to reduce the Veteran's distress in learning of this loss.
Travis had worked with this Vet frequently, often when not assigned to that Vet, and had established a strong rapport through trust and respect. Travis spent an extended amount of time, often just listening for hours, to establish a trust that allowed the veteran to agree to completing necessary self-care. This was instrumental in preventing the physical decline of this vet.
On the date mentioned, Travis came in during his scheduled vacation time to assist the Veteran in attending his recently deceased wife's funeral virtually. Travis provided unparalleled emotional support to this Veteran, sitting with him throughout the service and comforting him, he then escorted him back to the unit and supported the Veteran, using empathy and compassion and ensured that the Veteran felt safe and comfortable taking his medications.
This act in itself is worthy of recognition; however, it is important to recognize the amount of time he spent de-escalating this Vet in the days prior to the funeral, avoiding forced injections and code situations by spending time listening to the Vet.
It is also worth noting that this is not a rare or isolated event but is an example of Travis's daily dedication to the Vets on this unit.
Travis worked with leadership and the provider team to ensure that the Veteran was told of his wife's passing in a safe and calming environment and requested additional PRN medication for the Veteran to provide if needed to reduce the Veteran's distress in learning of this loss.
Travis had worked with this Vet frequently, often when not assigned to that Vet, and had established a strong rapport through trust and respect. Travis spent an extended amount of time, often just listening for hours, to establish a trust that allowed the veteran to agree to completing necessary self-care. This was instrumental in preventing the physical decline of this vet.
On the date mentioned, Travis came in during his scheduled vacation time to assist the Veteran in attending his recently deceased wife's funeral virtually. Travis provided unparalleled emotional support to this Veteran, sitting with him throughout the service and comforting him, he then escorted him back to the unit and supported the Veteran, using empathy and compassion and ensured that the Veteran felt safe and comfortable taking his medications.
This act in itself is worthy of recognition; however, it is important to recognize the amount of time he spent de-escalating this Vet in the days prior to the funeral, avoiding forced injections and code situations by spending time listening to the Vet.
It is also worth noting that this is not a rare or isolated event but is an example of Travis's daily dedication to the Vets on this unit.
Thank you, Travis, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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