Antonio Guevara encountered a veteran on the inpatient unit coming in for treatment; the veteran was scared, nervous, worried and had soiled his clothes. Antonio quietly walked over to the veteran on the bed, closed the curtain and cleaned the patient. He patiently explained exactly what to expect during treatment and put the veteran at ease. When I inquired of Antonio about his kind gentle care and compassion for the veteran; he informed me that his training as a nurse began and ended as if he was the patient.
Antonio had to know what it felt like to be in their shoes as a patient, he said. He went into nursing to share his talent of empathy, compassion, love, and kindness not only with his patients but also with his colleagues. There is a clear and deep understanding from Antonio that his profession as a nurse is not just about receiving a check. I would want this professional, caring RN to care for my family member at this VA. He stands out from the crowd!