The DAISY Award is for "those nurses that make a big difference in the lives of so many people." For seven of the ten years of my assignment to a second clinic, a Nurse Practitioner has been my "provider." During that time, Therese has accommodated my school schedule, my work schedule, and my vacation schedule, allowing me to report to appointments by phone if in-person appearances were difficult, or emailing self-assessments of my current condition for those times when reporting in person or by phone interfered with my college class schedule. Any blood draws, vitals etc. were acceptable so long as I reported during the same week as the scheduled "office" appointments.
The knowledge shared in efforts to keep me informed and involved has been thorough and accurate. Therese provided me with direct contact information for both a pharmacist and a doctor, should she be unavailable, though she never has been. All calls have been returned not only the same day, but usually within minutes and personally by Therese, never on assistance.
Therese also provided a personal VA email address. Moreover, each email, regardless of how trivial the reason it was sent by me, has been answered without annoyance, exception, or referral to another source, including those sent after my treatment apparently ended. This includes emails sent to Therese while away from the hospital on military deployments with active duty personnel, our future veterans.
Each time a treatment failed, I was encouraged to remember research was continuing, so I would remain hopeful. Last winter, I began a new treatment, and in spring, treatment ended successfully, finally. After follow-up confirmation in summer, my decade-long assignment to a second clinic has ended.
Yet Therese's most noteworthy action was last month, when I was heading to the east entrance. Upon noticing me, she said hello and asked how I felt. I said, "pretty good," but according to a recent exam by a different NP, some irregularities remain. I told Therese I'd send an email with the record attached.
Therese was likely scheduled to see a patient. So, I had headed off to my car, never considering the VA computer and the record I referred to.
What seemed like 90 seconds later, my phone rang. Therese had already reviewed the record I spoke of, and scheduled more follow-up tests. I was only halfway to my car.
She was calling to ask if I was still on the grounds, as it was best to acquire additional testing information. I could reenter the building immediately, or report the next time I was in the hospital. I reversed course before the sentence was finished.
Less than 5 minutes had passed when I checked in for the test. Yet, the order was already in the computer. 5-10 minutes after that, I was headed in for the follow-up, and only 3 weeks ago, during yet another follow-up, the word "cured" was used to describe my condition by the doctor.
Integrity: It is my belief that each of the elements of ICARE have been exemplified above, and collectively reflect integrity.
Therefore, please help this grateful veteran express his appreciation of Therese for unfailingly demonstrating outstanding concern for her veterans. She is an extremely caring, superb professional who has made a life changing improvement in my well-being.
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In 30 years of being treated at this VA I never had a better doctor or nurse. Therese treated me with dignity and respect throughout my treatment. She gave me the highest quality care. She is a true professional. She gave me my self-respect back. Therese is the true meaning of TLC. I feel blessed to know her.
Before meeting Therese, I was on a relapse of smoking crack cocaine. Upon meeting Therese for treatment for hepatitis B and C she explained all aspects of the programs for Hep B and then Hep C. She treated me like a human being, she showed me respect, and she gave me self-respect. I knew she was a special person.
She said I had to stop using cocaine to be qualified to be treated. From that day, I am completely clean from drugs and alcohol. While being treated for Hep C, Therese was very informative and explained all the steps of treatment. She would even call me at home to make sure I was alright. I developed complications, including anemia. Never calling an escort, Therese got a wheelchair and she escorted me for a blood transfusion. I had to get 2 or 3 transfusions. At the time I was very weak and could barely walk. She would call me to check on my condition.
While I was home, I developed gallstones and had be hospitalized. Somehow Therese found out, and she called to check on my condition. I had to drop out of the Hep C program. Therese's kept in touch; she explained they were developing a new treatment for Hep C which I would be qualified for. Again, we started a Hep C program. Therese treated me with respect and dignity. We both strived for the ultimate goal: cured!
After 12 weeks, the results came back: completely cured.
Therese was very focused on the final goal. But on the way, with her trust, confidence, helpfulness, kindness, and professionalism, I have self-confidence and dignity.I also have the cure.
Therese made me realized that the medical staff at the VA Medical Center are there to help and heal all U.S. veterans. Thanks to Therese, I now feel human again. I have self-confidence and self-respect. I have an all new outlook on life. Therese is the true meaning of TLC. All nurses should take a lesson from her. Thank her for everything.