My Dad recently spent several days in surgical ICU unit. Believe me; "discharged" was not a word we felt for a few days would be a reality, in my Dad's condition. But, seeing him back at home now, 91 years old, doing well after all he endured during his very serious sickness, my already high level of confidence and appreciation for the Asheville VA Hospital, and your personnel, have grown even stronger than ever. Seeing the care my Dad has received there for many years, always so professional and so expert, I know every day how fortunate he is to be served by the countless doctors and nurses he, and his family, have interacted with over the years. There are no hospitals or care better, most not even close, in providing the care that is given at the Asheville VA Hospital. You are to be commended every day for all you do.
It is for this reason that I cannot overlook the opportunity to express my sincere thoughts and extreme appreciation to one RN in particular, Scott Teeters. I know with certainty my Dad was so fortunate and blessed to be under his watch so often while in the surgical ICU unit. On the day my Dad's condition worsened, when outlook was not good, Scott was the one who, what seemed non-stop to me, to monitor and report and consult with the doctor, yet in and out of the room, by my Dad's bedside or watching his monitors constantly, all the while inserting a comforting but strengthening sense of compassion and calmness into the room, something I know I leaned on while watching the deteriorating condition of my Dad. It is difficult to find the appropriate words, but having an RN like Scott by my side, as well as by my Dad's side, was something so meaningful and supportive, and something I will never forget. I know nurses see patients come and go, don't often get to know them personally, but I felt as though Scott cared as much for my Dad as I did, and that in itself is a special and remarkable RN.
With such professionalism, such genuine caring, and such concern clearly experienced and visible throughout the halls of the VA Hospital with so many, many personnel, for one RN to surpass beyond the normal, to handle his responsibilities at a level which to me surpassed what I already believed to be the best, Scott deserves my appreciation and my thanks for all he did for my Dad, and for his family. Beyond his excellent and alert nursing care while the RN assigned for my Dad, he often engaged my Dad in conversations about his military service (and I know well how my Dad loves to talk of his WWII days!), know well his heartfelt pride and his "hidden" deep-rooted pain which he feels to this day for his service in Burma, for his generation's accomplishments and sacrifices in WWII, the pride he feels for our country and our values. My Dad is very proud to be a veteran, and Scott so often showed my Dad he too had pride for him as a veteran. Scott always had a way of making it seem, with his words and/or actions, as if he were the honored and blessed one to be able to serve my Dad, even commented to my Dad how honored he was to have the opportunity to serve a WWII veteran, not many nurses had that opportunity. I know my Dad, and I know those words will always be remembered by him.
Once my Dad, a little confused from medication, finished his meal, and then picked up the slip of paper off the tray, glanced over it, as if he were going to pay for the meal. Scott quickly asked him if he planned to pay for the meal, and when my Dad said yes, he very respectfully told Dad that he had already earned the meal, had already paid for it with his service. Even though he knew my Dad was confused, he interacted with him with respect and even seized that opportunity to turn the conversation around to one of recognition for my Dad's service. And, I would like Scott to know that after coming home, my Dad has talked about him several times, tells people what a good nurse he is, what a good guy he is. He remembers Scott telling him about all the model planes and ships he built as a boy, how he used to hang the planes with fishing line from his ceiling. My Dad felt confidence in his care, in his doctors, in his nurses, while in surgical ICU. All those who so professionally and so skillfully cared for my Dad, and there were several, all have my eternal thanks for all they did to make it possible for my Dad to come back home with us, when the odds were against it. There are no words to express my appreciation to you. Enjoying my Dad at his age of 91 is a blessing I recognize every day, and I know I am fortunate and blessed to still have him in my life. But, also realize at his age, the days may be numbered as to how much longer I can enjoy him. But, I believe in my heart that one key reason my Dad is back napping on the sofa and watching his Braves play is because of Scott's excellent professional and alert nursing skills as an RN when my Dad's condition started to worsen, and his devotion, respect and compassion in his care of my Dad, and his family, during such a critical and difficult time. I do believe we have more days to enjoy my Dad because he received the care he did by many, but particularly by Scott. And, maybe more important than anything, I know my Dad feels he made a new friend in Scott, a friend he also thanks for his care and remembers fondly with the same respect that Scott always showed to him. And, he still mentions how Scott was able to find him some peanut butter and crackers, when I couldn't!
My personal thanks to all in the surgical ICU who contributed to my Dad's discharge and making it possible for him to be back in his home again - you are the best.
To Scott, I personally salute you and thank you so very much for the outstanding service and care you give to our veterans, and for the outstanding care you gave to my Dad. I know any veteran who is fortunate enough to have you care for him/her will be taken care of by the best! You are indeed an extraordinary RN, and I will forever be thankful you were there for my Dad when he needed you so much. I know you contributed greatly to his being able to come back home again.