June 2020
Olivia
Diehl
,
RN
Cares Tower 5 Dementia
VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System
Paete
,
Laguna
Philippines
Olivia is an amazing nurse. She most recently went above and beyond with one particular patient who had severe dementia and was on dialysis. He had difficulty during the last hour of his treatment, becoming restless and difficult to redirect. He didn't understand the need to remain in bed attached to the machine and she would often go to the Hemodialysis Unit to work with him 1 on 1 during this difficult time. She has a smile that lights up a room and she projects a feeling of familiarity, caring, safety, and kindness to the Veterans and staff she engages. Her calm manner and therapeutic use of self have helped countless Veterans on our dementia unit on a daily basis. She has a way of interacting that allows even the most confused, frightened, and irritable patient to cooperate with needed care. She sets an example of excellence for her co-workers to model.