During one weekend, we had a veteran who was actively dying but his family had requested that he remain on our unit instead of going to Hospice. Wendy provided truly excellent and compassionate care for the veteran. She gave medications as needed to manage symptoms and the veteran was comfortable and able to peacefully transition at the end of his life. Since the veteran did not have family who was able to be present, Wendy stayed with the veteran basically at all times during his final hours. Wendy was so respectful and highly professional after the veteran passed away providing personal care and ensuring the veteran was treated with dignity.
On another occasion, we had a veteran who was becoming actively ill. Wendy was proactive, immediately alerting me, as the charge nurse, and I was able to quickly contact the physician for orders. The veteran needed to be seen in the ED and Wendy assisted in getting the veteran a stretcher and over to the ED immediately.
Wendy treats each and every veteran with kindness and respect. She provides compassionate and clinically excellent care to every single resident on our unit. She is a patient advocate, often bringing things to the attention of the charge nurse or provider, which makes a positive impact on patient outcomes. She also jumps in and provides direct patient care and does whatever is needed to ensure every veteran's needs are met. She takes time to address any concerns of the veterans and their family members. She is an amazing nurse and I am fortunate to know her and work with her.