Chrys Masuda is probably the most passionate nurse that I've ever met. I truly think the biggest goal in her life is to make every veteran happy. The work that she does on a daily basis amazes me. I often hear her on the phone or in a room with a difficult patient who is suicidal, or extremely mad about one thing or another. By the end of the conversations, I hear her laughing with these veterans. She has a way of turning them around and winning over their trust. It is a joy to watch her working her "magic."
One day, after meeting for almost 2 hours with a seriously wounded, combat veteran with horrible pain issues well after her normal work hours, she came in my office and was in tears telling me about his injuries and state of mind, and how he is someone's son, husband and father. She clearly understood how much pain and mental fatigue he was going through. I have never seen that level of caring in the VA system. It was not an act; it was not a nurse trying to just get by. Chrys is a true hero in teal-colored scrubs and a dreamcatcher necklace who is clearly making a difference in veterans' lives every day!
Her home was recently burned from an electrical fire, and her cat died in the fire. She and her husband have been living in temporary housing for many months now while the damage is being repaired. No matter how stressful her life or her day is, she always has a positive, energetic attitude. I wish I could clone her! Chrys truly represents every aspect of the ICARE qualities and is a perfect example of how all VA nurses should be.