Wendy is one of the best LPNs that I have worked with – both here at the Lexington VA and in almost 20 years in the Army as a Physician. She is hard-working, has a positive attitude, and is always smiling. My patients LOVE her and I often think they are only scheduling appointments with me to see Wendy’s smiling face.

Wendy has been the face of COVID here at the Sousley Campus of the Lexington VA. She ran the “barn” COVID operation and swabbed more noses than any other nurse during the past 2 years. She was responsible for training personnel on operations at the barn – both VA employees and contractors. Wendy was always the nurse who filled in when someone else couldn’t do it and she did it with a smile. She was selected as the first lead LPN (LPN7) and she has organized the LPNs so that workload is shared across all teams equally and with the shortage of LPNs the VA is currently experiencing, she has helped to make it fair for all LPNs to share the work – which has reduced complaints amongst nursing staff.

While working at the barn she was instrumental in saving a patient’s life by administering NARCAN to the patient and providing timely, quality CPR until EMS arrived. Which was recognized by Chief Matt Hisel. Wendy’s wound care knowledge has been invaluable in providing care to my patients and I rely on her knowledge to help me provide outstanding wound care for our veterans. She provides screening to our patients which shows me that she truly cares about the veterans and tries to go the extra mile in ensuring that they get the best care they can while they are here with our TEAM.

I get compliments on Wendy’s care provided to veterans on a daily basis. She is a TEAM player and Yankee Team could not provide the outstanding care that we do without her. Please recognize my nurse with this long overdue award as an outstanding nurse. 

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Wendy is such an inspirational nurse! Wendy is our Lead LPN on 16-2 and the most hardworking of our team! Wendy is always available to pick up our Veterans when nurses are behind. She works her tail off to make sure everything, and I mean EVERYTHING is running perfectly! Wendy’s patients absolutely adore her! Her Veterans are always concerned about her when she is caught up with other tasks.

Wendy has such a sweet maternal-like approach when she is taking care of her patients. Melts my own heart to see her interact with them! Wendy is all about commitment! She is selfless and is always ready to assist not only the Veterans but her team! I have never heard Wendy say “no” or “we can’t”. She has an approachable demeanor for all who come to her, be it as a friend, coworker, or Veteran and families. Wendy goes beyond focusing on the Veteran. She also focuses on their family as a whole team and unit. She includes the Veteran and their family in patient care. The patient and the family are genuinely appreciative when she helps them, and it shows in the comfort they portray during their encounter.

Wendy remains fair and impartial as a team leader. She is very respectful to ALL who encounter her. Wendy’s nature of caring comes across in her character as she interacts with her peers, supervisors, staff, Veterans, and families. She has an integrity to mimic.

Overall, Wendy is absolute EXCELLENCE! Wendy’s work ethic is flawless. She is the epitome of selflessness, motivated, inspiring, hardworking, fierce, and dedicated, I can go on and on! I think the staff on 16-2 would agree Wendy is a true BOSS! Her patients would agree she is a true QUEEN OF HEARTS!

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Role model for compassion and exemplary practice- Always at the forefront of going out of her way to assist a veteran. Answering Questions, escorting to appointments. Goes above and beyond, doing activities above and beyond what is required of her for her position.

Role models behavior perceived as extraordinary- I would be hard-pressed to see any employee, LPN, RN, PCP, MSA, etc. who works harder than Wendy Keaton, LPN. I do not think I have ever heard the words "No" or "I cannot do that" come out of her mouth. If there is a new procedure to be learned, she is always the first to take on the task and be proficient at it.

Creates an environment that fosters care & compassion- She is an advocate for her fellow LPNs, and all staff at Primary Care. If anyone has a concern, question, or complaint, she is an open door and will always speak up to support her coworkers. She is even more dedicated (if that is even possible) to her veterans. She even goes out of her way to do something as simple as buying lunch for a coworker in need while they are training for a new position if they are orienting with her.

Creates an environment where attributes of trust, compassion, mutual respect, continued professional development and ethical behavior are modeled and supported - You can always trust that Wendy will speak her mind when necessary and take ownership over any failures or successes of herself or those she works with.

Motivates staff with a shared vision and enthusiasm to achieve better outcomes for themselves and for their patients - If there is a shared governance project done in primary care, you can be certain that Wendy is most likely going to be one of the people helping to achieve improved outcomes for the staff. She is constantly striving to find a way to improve the use of resources (human or otherwise) especially when those resources are in short supply. And if she needs to work harder, it is always done with a smile, and without complaint.

Is a mentor to staff - Wendy aids all Techs, LPNs, and many RNs in getting adjusted and oriented to Primary Care. In my 1 year in Primary Care, I have learned so much about how to be a better nurse because of her.

Accessible, available, and responsive to the needs of others, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving for individuals and with the context of teams - While she has an open-door policy and is willing to jump in whenever necessary, she also expects and aids fellow employees in being self-sufficient so that they can do for themselves and others. As a result, we have an exquisite team in Building 16.

Promotes and enhances the image of nursing within the organization, the community, and the profession - In my 10 years of nursing, there is no other Nurse (RN, LPN, or otherwise) that exemplifies this more than Wendy Keaton. One Wendy is better than 5 of most of us. And this is not a statement of the inabilities of our co-workers, but more of how outstanding of a nurse she is.